University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance Receives $8 Million

The University of Michigan has announced an $8 million gift from alumnus William K. Brehm, class of 1950, and his wife, Delores, to renovate and expand a building in its School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

The gift will help fund the $23 million renovation and expansion of the Earl V. Moore Building, the school's original home. Of the total cost, $14 million will be provided by the university, with the balance to come from additional fundraising, including a gift from emeritus professor of musicology Glenn E. Watkins for a state-of-the-art lecture hall in the renovated building. Pending approval by university regents, construction will begin in early 2014 and is expected to be completed in about two years.

The Brehms have given $60 million to support various projects and programs at the university, including an eight-story, 230,000-square foot addition to the Kellogg Eye Center, the Brehm Center for Diabetes Research & Analysis, and two professorships.

"This project will ensure that SMTD remains among the preeminent performing arts schools," said SMTD dean Christopher Kendall. "The Brehms have a deep personal involvement in and appreciation for the performing arts, and with this gift they have become visionary champions for future generations of our music students."

“Brehm Gift Launches Building Expansion at U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance.” University of Michigan Press Release 10/30/12.

Primary Subject: Arts and Culture
Secondary Subject(s): Education, Higher Education
Location(s): Ann Arbor, Michigan

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