Excitement is in the air as Iowa Central Community College (ICCC) prepares to cut the ribbon for the grand opening of Decker Auditorium and the Center for Performing Arts. The entire auditorium has been transformed and a two-story addition has greatly expanded the space. College officials are excited to turn on the spotlights and celebrate. Iowa Central invites the community to join them on Friday, April 19th at 4:00 PM for a ribbon cutting, tours and special performances by Iowa Central students and alumni. Everyone is welcome!
The grand opening will mark a transformational moment in the history of Iowa Central, and that would not be possible without the generosity and support of many. “We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone that has made a gift to our Dream Big, Act Now campaign for the auditorium and Center for Performing Arts. Their kindness is greatly appreciated,” shares Mary Ludwig, Vice President of Development and Alumni of Iowa Central Community College. Don and Dianne Decker of Fort Dodge made the lead gift to the campaign with a $1 Million dollar donation. “We are very fortunate to have the support of the Deckers whose commitment and generosity has positively impacted the college and students for many years,” says Ludwig.
“The renovation of the space opens the door for expanded opportunities with the fine arts and much more. We take pride knowing this investment for our students, and the Iowa Central service region will improve quality of life by providing new experiences to enjoy,” shares Dr. Jesse Ulrich, President of Iowa Central Community College. With construction complete, the college will turn its focus to bringing in new acts to the stage and provide a state-of-the art space for local groups. “Our region is fortunate to have a lot of local talent and we look forward to partnering with those groups to take the stage at Iowa Central,” shares Dr. Ulrich. He adds, “It is just the beginning of a new era for our college and community. Our goal and intentions are to provide a space for everyone in our service area to enjoy and benefit from experiencing the arts firsthand and close to home,” notes Dr. Ulrich.
Decker Auditorium is the largest venue in the nine-county Iowa Central service region, and it now shines brightly. The new seats are comfortable and handicap seating is now available. The stage is enhanced with new curtains, new flooring and two new catwalks. Theatrical lighting is now in place along with modern audio equipment. Electrical equipment will now meet the needs of local and touring groups. And the list doesn’t stop there. Additional improvements include an elevator, a second entrance, more classrooms, backstage dressing rooms and amenities, a set building shop, large band room, a team room, more bathrooms, a gathering space and much more.
If you would like to support the Iowa Central Center for Performing Arts and programs, you can donate online at https://www.iowacentral.edu/dreambig/ or send a gift to: Iowa Central Performing Arts, c/o Foundation Office, 1 Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. For more information, contact Mary Ludwig at 515-574-1145 or ludwig@iowacentral.edu.
