George Mason University received a $5 million gift from the Peterson Family Foundation to help modernize its Center for the Arts.
The Fairfax university said the gift, announced at the home of Jon and Carolyn Peterson, will support the modernization of the arts center built in 1990. The concert hall auditorium will be renamed.
“The Peterson Family has stood behind so much of our success in building an exceptional community of artists — students, faculty, and distinguished visiting professionals — at George Mason,” George Mason President Gregory Washington said, in a statement.
“This latest expression of visionary generosity makes possible a much-needed reimagination of our beloved Concert Hall, magnifying George Mason University’s standing as the artistic and cultural hub of Northern Virginia.”
Carolyn Peterson is known for her love of the arts.
“This gift is significant because we know it will provide our excellent students, world-class visiting artists, and the community of art lovers with a stellar Center for the Arts auditorium in which to share and experience the arts. We are honored to help move this initiative forward,” Carolyn Peterson said.
The Peterson Foundation’s gift comes a little over two years after a $10 million gift to rename the Center for the Arts. That gift was from Barry Dewberry and Arlene Evans.
Feature image of University Center for the Arts by Daniel Schwartz/George Mason University
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