A SHARED COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE OF THE ARTS

“There are few buildings on campus that have the history and architectural significance of the Frank Thompson Building. I have had the pleasure of talking with alums from the 1940s through the 1990s about the wonderful experiences they had in Thompson, and it is clear that they wish that legacy to continue. I have also been moved and deeply impressed by the willingness of our current students to contribute a significant amount of their own funds to restore a vital piece of NC State history while also providing for the future of our visual and performing arts programs. This partnership between current and former students is in the best tradition of NC State: Preserving our past while preparing for the future. I hope that you will join us in this important campaign to save the Frank Thompson Building.”
—Thomas H. Stafford Jr., Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

The renovation and expansion of the Frank Thompson Building represents an extraordinary partnership between NC State students, private citizens, businesses and the extended NC State community. In fact, Wolfpack students are so enthusiastic about the arts and the renovation of Thompson that they have already pledged their support through a new student fee increase. Because of their remarkable generosity, more than two-thirds of the cost of the renovation project will be paid for by students.

The NC State student body and generations of NC State alumni understand the importance of preserving the historic Frank Thompson Building, where memories were made and student lives enriched for 80 years. With your support, we can transform this aged but venerable facility into a worthy home for our theatre, dance and crafts programs, ensuring that generations of future NC State students can create and preserve their own priceless memories in Thompson.

“My first two years at NC State were daunting, leaving me little time for anything other than studying and going to classes. Then I took an introduction to acting class. Having done some acting as a child, I thought this would be an easy class to just fulfill a requirement and move on. Little did I know what an impact Thompson Theatre would have on my life! My experience at Thompson defined my experience at NC State. It holds so many important memories for me and for others. I wonder now what my life would have been had I not walked those corridors.”
— Kristopher L. Tyra, Class of 1988, Sammamish, Wa.

Campaign Summary
• Capital Expansion and Renovations............................. $15,000,000
Provided by Student Fees: $10,000,000

Campaign Goals
• Total Private Support Needed ...........................................$5,000,000
ARTS NC STATE also wishes to build a $1 million endowment to provide for the ongoing upkeep of the renovated Thompson Building.