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
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.
Beverly Hills, California
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama
Palm Beach, Florida
Wetumpka, Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama
Miami Beach, Florida
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama
Thanks to our generous alumni and friends who are helping make the Performing Arts Academic Center a reality by supporting the Campaign.
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."
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."
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."
