Lees-McRae College announces $250,000 fundraising campaign for Hayes Auditorium renovation

Lees-McRae College has launched a $250,000 fundraising campaign for the renovations of Hayes Auditorium. The auditorium, built in 1975, is located at the front of campus on Highway 194 and serves as an important campus and community venue.

Hayes Auditorium is the heart and soul of the Performing Arts program at Lees-McRae College and is also home to Summer Theatre and FORUM. Hayes has been the host to thousands of performances over the years and is in need of some much needed renovations. The $250,000 renovation of Hayes Auditorium will include state-of-the-art lighting, theatre flooring and new, comfortable seats.

“For years Hayes Auditorium has been a window to Lees-McRae College,” commented Janet Barton Speer, creative director of Summer Theatre. “People come to know us in that space – that sacred space, where concerts, speeches, graduations, spiritual services, events with children, musicals and plays have provided thousands of people entertainment and enrichment. This theatre has served the High Country for many years but she is old and she deserves our attention.”

With the investment of gracious donors, Lees-McRae College will be able to elevate the auditorium space and allow future generations of students to learn and perform in this space. The leadership giving level range goes from $1,000 to $10,000 and benefits include season tickets to Summer Theatre or FORUM along with reserved parking and seats for higher giving levels. 

For more information or to make a gift today, please contact Jillian Rosato, director of alumni and community relations, at 828.898.2534 or rosatoj@lmc.edu.