Lied Center plans groundbreaking ceremony for April 8

April 5, 2010

A groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Lied Center at the University of Kansas will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 8, in front of the Lied Center. The public is invited. In case of rain, the ceremony will take place indoors on the Lied Center’s stage.

Speakers include KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little; Christina Hixson, the sole trustee of the Ernst F. Lied Foundation Trust; Tim Van Leer, executive director of the Lied Center; and Patrick Kelly, education specialist for Lawrence Public Schools.

A $2.5 million gift from the Lied Foundation Trust will fund expansion of the Lied Center’s lobby, construction of an education pavilion, creation of additional office space, and installation of displays about the history of Ernst F. Lied and the Lied Foundation Trust.

The enlarged lobby will provide needed space during high-attendance events. The educational pavilion also will provide a venue for meetings, and pre- and post-performance activities and receptions. The additional office space will allow consolidation of staff offices into one area of the building.

An additional $300,000 gift from the William T. Kemper Foundation — Commerce Bank Trustee will also benefit the Lied Center. The gift will expand the foyer, which will enable the center to host a wider variety of public events.

Since opening in 1993, the Lied Center has drawn more than 1 million people from all walks of life to enjoy a wide range of performing arts experiences. The Lied Center was made possible by a $10 million gift by the Lied Foundation Trust, which is directed by Christina Hixson.

The gifts are managed by KU Endowment, the official fundraising and fund-management foundation for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.

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April 5, 2010