Page 19 - Priorities #21 2003-January
P. 19
Names
A Vision Of A Community: In Palo Alto, the name Lucie Stern is synonymous with theater, classes, and beautiful meeting spaces. The Cantor Arts Center (inset above) came into being despite Stanford University’s competing need to restore widespread damage on the campus after the 1989 earthquake. It took leadership from many quarters to make it happen, as well as the gift of Iris and B. Gerald Cantor.
Beloved Buildings Share Common Histories
The front lobbies and plaques in much-loved buildings around the Bay Area only begin to tell their histories. Here are just a few examples.
Overcoming the economy: San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House opened in 1932, despite the depression. Through the next few decades the SF performing arts complex of buildings grew with a tradition of public and private funding. By the mid-1970s, the arts were choking for space, but economic "stagflation" stalled both public and private sources. Louise M. Davies’ gift opened the way for additional foundations, corporations and philanthrapists. The Davies Symphony Hall opened in 1983.
Preserving history: The Julia Morgan Theater in Berkeley, designed by the famous local architect, has had many uses over the years. A couple who loved it not only gave a $300,000 gift to save it, they also moved to the area last year to supervise development of its community arts program.
A driving vision and family gift: Dr. Peter Wallenberg was so excited by the possibilities of a program for innovative studies that he organized support from multiple family foundations to see the vision realized at Stanford University. It was the first time his family had made such a gift outside their native Sweden.
Honoring dedication: The Robert C. Smithwick Theater at Foothill College in Los Altos honors a man who was tireless in his effort to bring
musical theater to the school and community.
–C. Dobervich