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The 2nd Act Campaign Has Reached $620,000

UIS Chancellor Janet Gooch with Dr. Sharron LaFollette

We’re thrilled to share some wonderful news! Thanks to a generous commitment from Dr. Sharron LaFollette, we’ll soon be expanding ADA seating in Sangamon Auditorium—adding more wheelchair-accessible spaces and companion seating. This important improvement ensures that audience members who use canes, walkers, or wheelchairs can continue to experience the joy of live performances for years to come.

Sharron knows firsthand how meaningful the arts are to our community. A retired UIS faculty member with an office once right outside the Auditorium doors, she has long felt a special connection to this space—and since retiring in 2015, she’s continued that connection as a volunteer manager.

When asked what message she’d share with others thinking about giving to the 2nd Act Campaign, Sharron said:

“Performing arts are so important to both the community and the college. When people visit campus for performances, it connects UIS and Springfield in a powerful way. Any dollar amount helps to keep Sangamon Auditorium refreshed and going strong. If you can give, please do.”

We couldn’t agree more. Every gift—large or small—makes a lasting difference in keeping the arts vibrant and accessible to all.

View donors who have supported the 2nd Act Campaign so far!


2nd Act Campaign Update

Thanks to the generosity of our incredible community, we’ve already raised $620,000 toward our 2nd Act Campaign!

But our story isn’t finished yet—we’re aiming for a grand finale of $1.25 million, and we need your help to get there.

Every gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to refreshing Sangamon Auditorium.

Join us in supporting this refresh.

Social Media Posts You Might Have Missed

Performing Arts Center Volunteers

We’re making the most of our shutdown with some fun and inspiring outings! We took our amazing volunteers on a trip to Champaign for tours of the Krannert Center and UIF’s Philanthropy Center on the University of Illinois campus. Big thanks to Executive Transportation for getting us there safely and comfortably! See post on Facebook!

Sensory Friendly Productions at UIS

Everyone deserves the magic of live performance! UIS Performing Arts Center is proud to offer Sensory Friendly programming, creating welcoming experiences for all. Learn more here about these initiatives. See post on Facebook!

Backstage 101: 2025-26 Learning Collaborative

First Look: Backstage 101 Sessions! We’re pulling back the curtain, UIS Performing Arts Center is excited to announce the first round of Backstage 101 Learning Collaborative sessions! See post on Facebook!


2nd Act Campaign

Your gift will set the stage for the 2nd Act. Join us today!

or mail checks to:

Made out to: UIF/UIS PAC Renovation Fund

Mailed to: Sarah Brewer

UIS Performing Arts Center

One University Plaza, PAC 397

Springfield, IL 62703

Reach out to Sarah Brewer, Director of Development to share your thoughts or ask questions—we're always glad to hear from you.