Western Nevada Community College Foundation leads the state in raising donations, and now is setting its sights on a $25 million effort for a performing arts center.
"When you see the results of the foundation, it's easy to see how we're leading the way," said Foundation President Roger Sedway.
During a recent University and Community College System of Nevada regents meeting, it was shown that WNCC was first among the state's four community colleges in foundation fund-raising efforts.
"Are we tooting our own horn? I don't know, but the figures show it," said Helaine Jesse, dean of institutional advancement.
Western Nevada raised $3,059,651 during the last fiscal year. The result is completion of the Reynolds Technology Building.
Sedway said that's just the start. The next large project being considered by the foundation is construction of a $25 million regional performing arts center.
The center would host performances ranging from musical theater to dance, as will have an art gallery and a reception area. It would have a 450-seat theater, filling a niche between the Carson City Community Center theater and the Brewery Arts Center.
The design work will be done by LMN Architects, which specializes in theater design.
A list of priorities for the center includes classrooms for WNCC art students, storage, a dance studio, dressing rooms, coat rooms, box office and restrooms.
At the hub will be a proscenium stage and auditorium.
"It's going to be a regional draw," said Sedway. "We feel there's a list of artistic-oriented grants out there that are untapped."
The foundation's mission is to enhance the quality of education by supporting the college.
"They come to us and tell us what they think they need," Sedway said, "and then we go and find a way to get it done."
