Our Crowdfunding Groups
Thank you for your generous support of the Ford Center for the Performing Arts.
While this project has ended, you can still make a gift at https://umfoundation.com/ignite.
Honor Chancellor Emeritus Robert C. Khayat by supporting the performing arts center he helped bring to Ole Miss.
Chancellor Emeritus Robert C. Khayat led the effort to bring the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts to life 16 years ago. Now, your gifts can honor him by continuing to support the Ford Center for years to come.
The Celebrating the Arts campaign aims to increase the endowment of the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts to $3 million, which allows it to continue to be an arts leader while expanding its performances and programs that serve the entire region.
Now, everyone can support the Ford Center’s mission by giving through Ignite Ole Miss to honor Khayat’s contributions to the University of Mississippi. The Gertrude C. Ford Foundation has already made the first gift in celebration of Khayat’s legacy, a $5,000 donation.
“It is very fitting this campaign honors Chancellor Emeritus Robert Khayat, who was instrumental in securing the funding and establishing such an outstanding performing arts center on our campus,” said Ole Miss Interim Chancellor Larry Sparks. “For more than 16 years now, the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts has provided a rich array of arts and cultural opportunities for our community. This campaign will help us ensure that we continue offering vibrant resources and programs to benefit the entire region.”
A prominent portion of the bronze donor recognition tree sculpture that was commissioned to celebrate the generous donors to the Ford Center capital campaign will be named to honor Khayat. The beautiful sculpture will be on permanent display in the Ford Center lobby.
Khayat had a vision for a performing arts center that complemented the University’s commitment to excellence in education, research and service by celebrating imagination, innovation and creativity.
His passion and commitment made that vision a reality. Today, Ole Miss, Oxford and the entire region are richer for his dedicated efforts.
Consider showing your appreciation of Chancellor Emeritus Robert C. Khayat by making a gift today. Then, share this page with others and spread the word. Let’s pledge our passion and commitment to enriching our region by supporting the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.
Every gift can help advance the arts at Ole Miss and across the region.
The Ford Center gives back to the community through vibrant, diverse arts programming. Show your appreciation!
Your gift will help the Ford Center move forward, helping to maintain facilities and bring long-lasting financial security to the region's premier performing arts venue.
The Ford Center opened its doors in 2003 as a state-of-the-art facility and remains the only one of its kind in the area. By supporting the Celebrating the Arts campaign, you strengthen the arts and cultural opportunities available to the Ole Miss community and region.
The Celebrating the Arts campaign aims to increase the endowment of the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts to $3 million. Ongoing private support is crucial to the continued success of the Ford Center and enhances the future of the arts at Ole Miss.
For 16 years now, the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts has provided a rich array of arts and cultural opportunities for our community. Your investment ensures that we continue offering vibrant programs appealing to all ages and benefiting the entire region.
After 16 years, the Ford Center -- like any public space that is in near-constant use -- requires repairs and maintenance to maintain its beauty and functionality. By investing in the Ford Center Endowment, you help ensure that these needs are met in perpetuity.
The Ford Center has featured everything from the 2008 Presidential Debate to Broadway tours. Your support of this campaign helps provide enriching programming for the Ole Miss community and the region.
Robert C. Khayat was instrumental is securing the funding necessary to establish such an outstanding performing arts center on the Oxford campus. Honor this beloved Ole Miss leader today with a gift to the Celebrating the Arts campaign. Together, we can build resources to expand his legacy and continue bringing magnificent programs to the Ford Center stage.