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from the issue of September 8, 2005
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TV icon leaves $10.3 million to academic programs
Carson legacy lives at UNL
University of Nebraska alumnus Johnny Carson has forever left his mark on campus.
In November 2004, the entertainment and television icon announced a gift of $5.3 million to the University of Nebraska Foundation to support the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts' Department of Theatre Arts.
Following Carson's death on Jan. 23, his estate followed with an additional $5 million gift to create an endowment in support of theatre, film and broadcasting programs.
The two gifts bring the former "Tonight Show" host's total philanthropic support to his alma mater to more than $11 million.
Of the $5.3 million gift in November, $4.3 million is for renovation and expansion of the Temple Building, home to the theatre program and where Carson studied. Another $1 million created an endowment to keep performance spaces current with latest advances in lighting and sound technologies and for general support of students and programs within the theatre department.
Tentative plans call for renovation of the Temple Building to begin in November with completion slated for the 2006-07 school year.
The building will receive a new black box theatre and film sound stage for students to use in their productions; a newly remodeled and expanded scene shop and updated lighting facilities; new computer-aided design and theatre class lab space; new offices for attracting additional graduate assistants; enhanced storage facilities, and an updated lobby for the Howell Theatre.
When completed, the new addition will connect the Temple Building to the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.
The second $5 million gift establishes the Johnny Carson Fund for Theatre, Film and Broadcasting.
Annual income from this endowment will provide support to the Department of Theatre Arts at the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and the broadcast program at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
As a memorial to Carson and his generosity, the university renamed the Department of Theatre Arts the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film.
In the 1970s, Carson established an endowed scholarship at the NU Foundation to assist outstanding Nebraska high school graduates. To date, these scholarships have helped 24 students with their education at the university.
In 1988, Carson gave a gift to support the construction of the Lied Center for Performing Arts. The black box theatre adjoining the main stage was renamed the Johnny Carson Theater in his honor.
"Johnny Carson's generosity will allow generations of Nebraskans to attend college, pursue their dreams in theatre and film, and enjoy the performing arts," said James Milliken, University of Nebraska President. "He never forgot the impact of his studies at the University of Nebraska on his life and career. And Nebraska will never forget the lasting positive impact of one of her favorite sons."
GO TO: ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 8
ARTS HEADLINES FOR SEPTEMBER 8
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$1 million gift given to Sheldon
Book overflows with Great Plains details
Carson legacy lives at UNL
Concerto honors Lewis and Clark
ETV begins new era
Shapiro's stories basis for film
UNL hosts Whitman 150th anniversary event
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