Donors

Fueled by four generations of love for the arts, the Smith family’s gift to name the Smith Family Center for the Performing Arts was made primarily to honor Mark Smith, an Alabama native who passed away in 2007. Mark, cofounder of the global telecommunications company ADTRAN, grew up in a house full of musicians, and he always emphasized the importance and power of music with his family. Mark’s son, Clay, made the gift alongside his wife, Cameron, and his mother, Linda.

We knew, just looking at the Bryce property and the University’s plans for it, that we had to be involved collectively as a family. It’s a venue that will foster artistic expression for students and facilitate the skills they need to launch careers in the performing arts.

~ Clay Smith

Campaign Cabinet

The $15 million Campaign for the Performing Arts is being led by a group of dedicated volunteers. These individuals share a love of the performing arts and are committed to helping UA theatre and dance students achieve their dreams.

Sela Ward and a layout of a room

Ms. Sela Ward

Honorary Chair

Beverly Hills, California

Bill Battle and a layout of a room

Coach Bill Battle

Co-Chair

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Mary Battle and a layout of a room

Ms. Mary Battle

Co-Chair

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Ms. Laura Abernathy

Atlanta, Georgia

Mr. Robert Abernathy

Atlanta, Georgia

Mr. Dan Blakley

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Ms. Karen Brooks

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Mr. Mark Crews

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Ms. Rebekah Elgin-Council

Birmingham, Alabama

Ms. Frances Fisher

Palm Beach, Florida

Mr. Frank Gregory

Wetumpka, Alabama

Mr. Jim Harrison

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Mr. Bobby Humphrey

Birmingham, Alabama

Mr. Peter Lowe

Huntsville, Alabama

Ms. Stacey Messina

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Ms. Vaughan Morrissette

Mobile, Alabama

Dr. Rhett Murray

Huntsville, Alabama

Mr. Nick Perdomo

Miami Beach, Florida

Dr. Cathy Randall

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Ms. Linda Shumilas

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Mr. Hugh Thomas

Birmingham, Alabama

Donors

Thanks to our generous alumni and friends who are helping make the Performing Arts Academic Center a reality by supporting the Campaign.

Picture of Robert and Laura Abernathy

Robert and Laura Abernathy

"We are excited about the PAAC because it will establish Alabama as a destination University for top faculty and students in the performing arts. We believe this is a project with broad appeal—particularly the expansion of the campus and the Welcome Center. It is also a long-needed facility for the students and the city for touring performances and for University productions. It will be the talk of the performing arts world for years to come. There will not be an on-campus performing arts center that will compare to this unique combination of the historic and the new. And guess where it will be ... that's right, at The University of Alabama. Roll Tide Roll."

Picture of Nick and Janine Perdomo

Nick and Janine Perdomo

"We are honored to contribute to The University of Alabama Performing Arts Academic Center. We have a very special bond to the University. Both of our children, Nicholas and Natalie, attended The University of Alabama. We do not think you will find a finer university in the country. One that not only educates the mind, but fills the soul as well. From the campus, to the professors, to the deans, and the president, you will not find better and more dedicated people. Although we do not live in Alabama, we consider The University of Alabama our second home. We feel privileged and honored to be able to contribute to Performing Arts Academic Center."

Picture of Linda and Robert Shumilas

Linda and Robert Shumilas

"The Theatre and Dance Department at The University of Alabama deserves a performance center that reflects the program's outstanding artistic achievements. As part of the magnificent restoration of the historic Bryce Main Building, the new Performing Arts Academic Center will make this complex an architectural and artistic jewel of The University and the State of Alabama."

  • Robert and Laura Abernathy
  • Alabama Power Foundation, Inc.
  • William G. Anderson
  • Arts & Sciences Leadership Board
  • Bill and Mary Battle
  • The Battle Family Foundation
  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
  • The Estate of Robert Brennan
  • The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
  • Daniel Foundation of Alabama
  • Frances and Jeffrey Fisher
  • The Frances and Jeffrey Fisher Charitable Foundation, Inc.
  • Frank and Rebecca Gregory
  • Alice and Charles Haun
  • Billy and Millie Hulsey
  • Camilla Huxford
  • Andrea L. Massey-Farrell
  • Harvey and Carol Massey Foundation, Inc.
  • Pamela J. McCollough
  • Jack and Betty Moore
  • Nick and Janine Perdomo
  • Perdomo Cigars
  • Phifer Incorporated
  • Reese Phifer, Jr. Memorial Foundation
  • Holland and Carolyn Powell
  • Linda and Robert Shumilas
  • Clay and Cameron Smith
  • Linda J. Smith
  • Hugh and Susan Thomas
  • Stantley and Ann Williams
  • Warren and Sallie Williamson