The iconic Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum now taking shape on the MSU campus is destined to be a catalyst for cultural economic development in our region. Designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the transformative facility is anticipated to bring international attention to the art museum, MSU and the state of Michigan.
Donors to the project now have an opportunity to be part of a unique and lasting legacy. Until, December 2011, individuals and organizations who commit to a gift of at least $25,000 (payable over five years) to the Broad Art Museum will have the opportunity to be listed on a special recognition wall in the main lobby.
Among those who have already made a gift that will add their names to the wall are MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon and her spouse Dr. Roy J. Simon, MSU’s Director of telecommunication systems and transportation services. The generosity of the Simons to MSU dates back to 1970 when Roy Simon made his first gift to his alma mater. Their sustained giving to MSU has grown continuously over 41 years and has escalated as their engagement increased. Today, they are members of MSU’s Clifton R. Wharton Donor Recognition Society. Their giving is a result of their philanthropic passion and long term stewardship commitment to the university’s mission, sustainability and growth.
“We are deeply grateful to Eli and Edythe Broads’ devotion to philanthropy. Mr. Broad has spoken of the importance of knowing the art of one’s time so that we may know ourselves better. It is a great privilege to join the Broads in contributing our personal support to this extraordinary project which assures that access to contemporary art will thrive at Michigan State University,” said President Simon.
The donor recognition wall, designed by Hadid, will seamlessly integrate with the museum. The wall will be highly visible along the main hallway to all who come to East Lansing to see not only the art inside the museum but also the building itself. Attractive naming opportunities for various spaces in the building and exterior gardens still remain.
The $40 million fundraising goal is within reach. Alumni Eli and Edythe Broad, through their gift of $21.5 million for construction, combined with $6.5 million for acquisitions and operations, provided the impetus for creating the building that bears their names. Since then, many other donors have been inspired to join them.
The grand opening and dedication events of the museum, slated for 2012, promise to generate excitement. Participation in the donor recognition wall will guarantee a place at these historic occasions.
Michael Rush, director of the Rose Art Museum at Brandeis University, has been named the founding director of MSU’s Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. The co-founder of the Contemporary Art Museum Directors Association, Rush was previously director of the Palm Beach Institute of Contemporary Art and hosts an Internet Radio program, “Rush Interactive,” on Art International Radio.
For more information on making a gift to the Broad Art Museum, contact Director of Development Bridget Paff at (517) 353-4725; paff@msu.edu. For more information on the project including a webcam of the construction, go to broadmuseum.msu.edu.