Transforming
Dr. Jesse Ulrich President, Iowa Central Community College
“
When people look at our region, they’re asking, ‘What can we do for our cultural events? What can we do for performances and entertainment? And if I’m a student in our region, I’m looking for a college experience where I can do those things at a high level. The answer is right here at Iowa Central. I believe people in our region recognize that fine arts are very important. It’s something that people enjoy. It’s something that people will take pride in.
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IOWA CENTRAL FOUNDATION BOARD
Deb Zemke, President
Zak Clark, Vice President
Ed Shimkat Jr., Past President
Parker Aden
Marcie Boerner
Jennifer Crimmins
Chris Deal
Larry Hecht
Dr. Jim Meyer
Gary Moritz
Jeff Neubaum
Gabe Pettit
ON THE GRAND OPENING OF DECKER AUDITORIUM AND CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS! 10 N. 29th Street, Fort Dodge | 515-955-3331 | www.NW.bank
Congratulations, Iowa Central, on the grand opening of your newly renovated Performing Arts Center!
W. A. Klinger is proud to be your general contractor partner on this exciting project.
W. A. KLINGER, L.L.C. Sioux City, IA
Dreaming big for Iowa Central performing arts campaign for college facilities secures big donations
Iowa Central Community College students have started building the set for the spring musical “Beauty and the Beast.”
That set will fill the stage of Decker Auditorium as the classic tale draws audiences for the first time into the revamped auditorium and new Center for Performing Arts in April.
As the debut of those facilities draws near, the college has announced some major donations to the Dream Big Act Now campaign that is helping to pay for them.
The Daniel family, which owns Daniel Pharmacy at 1114 Central Ave., donated $100,000.
“When you are a community pharmacy you have to take care of your community,” said John Daniel, the owner and founder of the business.
None of the Daniels have been on stage at Iowa Central, but they have frequently been in the audience.
“We go to a lot of their events,” Daniel said. “They have exceptional talent at Iowa Central.”
“Iowa Central is really something special for our community,” he added.
He said that Decker Auditorium, which seats about 1,200 people, is the “biggest and best” in a 60 mile radius.
Daniel added that he appreciates the benefit that being able to be involved in the performing arts has on students.
“It rounds them out,” he said. “They have something other than just learning their profession.”
Two other big gifts to the Dream Big Act Now campaign were also recently announced by the college.
A $75,000 gift was made by Northwest Bank of Fort Dodge.
A $50,000 donation came from the Jackson family of Fort Dodge. That donation is from Joe and Karen Jackson and Joseph Jackson II and Teresa Jackson. Teresa Jackson is the college’s theater director and an advanced instructor in communications.
“We are very, very grateful for the generosity that we have been shown,” said college President Dr. Jesse Ulrich. “This project really hits home with a lot of people because they saw the need.”
Ulrich said the final items on the construction project are being finished.
“We’re really excited for people to see the new space,” he said.
More than $3 million was raised in the first phase of the Dream Big Act Now campaign, according to Mary Ludwig, the college’s vice president for development and alumni relations.
She said a second phase focuses on annual giving to support the center, and will start after the facility opens.
“We’re very grateful for the generous support of our many, many donors,” Ludwig said.
astonishment, the movie Jaws was released on Laserdisc for home use. In 1978, it was a different technological world.
were still in the development stage.
Director
Will Lopes Director of Vocal Music
I love Decker Auditorium. It has been home to so many of us. When I sit in this space, I hear echoes of laughter and I see the footprints of thousands of student performers. “ “
I love Decker Auditorium. It has been home to so many this space, I hear echoes of laughter and I see the footprints student performers. Yet we are in a danger zone. We have that needs to be fixed. We could have major performers advance people take one look at the facility and turn –
Teresa Jackson Director of theater and professor“ “
The opportunity to expand the physical area for performing arts allows for the student to expand their potential. We appreciate the investment in the Center for Performing Arts as it reflects the support from the community and administration for the numerous programs we offer.
Paul Bloomquist Director of Instrumental Activitiesof communications
“ “
The new Center for Performing Arts will not only allow us to do more for and with our students, but it will also give us a lot of flexibility and ability to produce and create opportunities for our local and surrounding communities.
WHO USES DECKER AUDITORIUM NOW?
Iowa Central Performing Arts (Theater, Band, Vocal)
Iowa Central Admissions (Student Visit Days)
Iowa Central Student Activities Teams
Iowa Central Commencement
Area High Schools
Fine Arts Booster Clubs
Dance Studios
Theater and Music Groups
Traveling Professional Groups
Civic Groups and Clubs
Holiday Shows
Politicians
Press Release
February 27, 2024
Iowa Central Community College plans Grand Opening for Decker Auditorium and Center for Performing Arts in April
Excitement is in the air as Iowa Central Community College prepares to cut the ribbon for the grand opening of Decker Auditorium and the Center for Performing Arts. The entire auditorium has been transformed and a two-story addition has greatly expanded the space. College officials are excited to turn on the spotlights and celebrate. Iowa Central invites the community to join them on Friday, April 19th at 4:00 PM for a ribbon cutting, tours and special performances by Iowa Central students and alumni. Everyone is welcome!
The grand opening will mark a transformational moment in the history of Iowa Central, and that would not be possible without the generosity and support of many. “We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone that has made a gift to our Dream Big, Act Now campaign for the auditorium and Center for Performing Arts. Their kindness is greatly appreciated,” shares Mary Ludwig, Vice President of Development and Alumni of Iowa Central Community College. Don and Dianne Decker of Fort Dodge made the lead gift to the campaign with a $1 Million dollar donation. “We are very fortunate to have the support of the Deckers whose commitment and generosity has positively impacted the college and students for many years,” says Ludwig.
“The renovation of the space opens the door for expanded opportunities with the fine arts and much more. We take pride knowing this investment for our students, and the Iowa Central service region will improve quality of life by providing new experiences to enjoy,” shares Dr. Jesse Ulrich, President of Iowa Central Community College. With construction complete, the college will
turn its focus to bringing in new acts to the stage and provide a state-of-the art space for local groups. “Our region is fortunate to have a lot of local talent and we look forward to partnering with those groups to take the stage at Iowa Central,” shares Dr. Ulrich. He adds, “It is just the beginning of a new era for our college and community. Our goal and intentions are to provide a space for everyone in our service area to enjoy and benefit from experiencing the arts firsthand and close to home,” notes Dr. Ulrich.
Decker Auditorium is the largest venue in the nine-county Iowa Central service region, and it now shines brightly. The new seats are comfortable and handicap seating is now available. The stage is enhanced with new curtains, new flooring and two new catwalks. Theatrical lighting is now in place along with modern audio equipment. Electrical equipment will now meet the needs of local and touring groups. And the list doesn’t stop there. Additional improvements include an elevator, a second entrance, more classrooms, backstage dressing rooms and amenities, a set building shop, large band room, a team room, more bathrooms, a gathering space and much more.
If you would like to support the Iowa Central Center for Performing Arts and programs, you can donate online at https://www.iowacentral.edu/dreambig/ or send a gift to: Iowa Central Performing Arts, c/o Foundation Office, 1 Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. For more information, contact Mary Ludwig at 515-574-1145 or ludwig@iowacentral.edu .
FACTS ABOUT OUR NEW CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
1,089 comfortable seats
All-new stage curtains
6,000 upgraded lighting controls
Modern dressing rooms
16 new restroom fixtures
Updated, flexible orchestra pit
2 new catwalks
1 elevator, plus ADA seating and stage access
50 speakers
Congratulations of the remodel of Decker Auditorium free quotes
Congratulations
Commercial • Industrial Agriculture • Residential Electrical Services
Servicing all your electrical needs for Badger, Fort Dodge and Surrounding areas since 1978
114 First St. SE
Badger, IA 50516
Proud to Support the Iowa Central Community College Decker Auditorium and the Center for Performing Arts.
Daniel Pharmacy
Quality, Convenience & Service for over 50 Years!
1114 Central Ave • Fort Dodge 515-573-3431
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For nearly fifty years, performances at Iowa Central’s Decker Auditorium have entertained our families, friends, and neighbors.
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Mary Ludwig Vice President of Development and Alumni
Accentrure
Dr. Ken & Adrienne Adams
Brian & Leslie Aden
Parker Aden
Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust
R & S Ashbaugh Trust
Availa Bank
Baker Electric of Fort Dodge
Danielle & Gary Balk
Cory & Sabrina Beck
Luke & Jenny Becker
Beisser Lumber
Bemrich Electric & Telephone
Scott Birdsell
Thomas & Mary Beneke
Toby & Jacqueline Beneke
Gene & Lorraine Black in honor of Teresa Jackson and Dan Cassady
Margaret Bloomquist
Paul & Kelli Bloomquist
Shelly & Chad Blunk
Ryan & Hope Brown
Keith & Sharon Buck
Calvert & Johnson Insurance
Catherine Vincent Deardorf Foundation
Central Iowa Distributing
Jerilyn Chase
Ray & Ann Chase
Citizens Community Credit Union
Heidi Clark Zak & Sharon Clark
Marcy Coleman in honor of Ellacyn Coleman
Terry & Katie Coleman
Jennifer & Dennis Condon
Troy & Rebecca Crampton
Krystal & John Crandall
Jen & Jake Crimmins
John & Margo Daniel Family
Chris & Tracy Deal
Don and Dianne Decker
Paul DeCoursey & Heather Ochs
Susan Derscheid
Abbey & Michael Devers
William Dobler in memory of Virginia Mae Rabe
Tim & Susan Doyle
Scott & Kia Deuel
Jennifer & Matt Dutcher
Michael & Kristan Ensminger
Lori & Brandon Evans
Joshua & Michelle Filmer
First Interstate Bank
Flooring America Design Center
Fort Dodge Ford Toyota and the Johnson Family
Frohling Farms, Inc
Jane Gibb
Amber & Mark Graves
Great Western Dining
Green State Credit Untion
Deryl Hamann
Larry & Karen Handy
Patrick & Mary Harvey
Joshua & Jolene Hays
Tim Hazel
Larry & Linda Hecht
Richard Hersom
Bryan & Susan Hewett
Home State Bank in honor of Doug McDermott
Larry & Linda Hecht
Dr. Terry & Pam Hopper
Guy & Sara Horn
Joe Lippert & Grace Hovde
Stacy Ihrig
Matthew & Nancy Irving
Jefferson Telephone Co.
Joe & Karen Jackson
Teresa and Joeseph Jackson
Dale & Terri Jensen in Memory of Katie Ann Lunn
Nikole & Matthew Johnson
Nate & Sarah Jones
K.D.’s Over the Moon by Kyrie Borsay
Patrick & Susan Keefe Family Foundation
Ms. Toni Kerns
Jim & Laurie Kersten & family
Marilyn Kiliper
Myrna King
Joshua Kraushaar
Parker & Megan Kruse
Janet & Russell Lansing
Rae & Michael Larson
Anita Lindquist
Will & Nelly Lopes
Bret & Mary Ludwig
Jane Lundberg
Martin Marietta
TJ & Angie Martin
Brian & Samantha McClain
Dr. Stacy and Bret Mentzer Family
Chris Meyer
Dr. Jim & Ann Meyer
MidAmerican Energy Foundation
Luke & Amy Moffitt
Noelle Murray
Northwest Bank
Roger Natte & Joyce Garton-Natte
K.C. Neilsen
Jeff & Peggy Neubaum
Eric & Ashley Oberg
Gabe & Cori Pettit
Jeremy & Jolinn Price
Sarah & Adam Ramthun
Rasch Construction
Lindsey & Mark Rial
Samantha Reeves
Kevin & Michelle Rogers
Carrie Rock
Donald & Suzanne Sawyer
Linda & Billie Scott
Robert & Sheryl Schill
Barbara & Kenneth Scholtens
Steven & Delayne Segar
Bruce & Sally Shimkat
Ed & Lisa Shimkat
Mark & Tori Smith
Elizabeth Soenen in memory of TJ Schaefer
Michael Sorensen
Dr. W.C. Thatcher, M.D. Family
Dr. Jesse & Amy Ulrich
United Bank of Iowa
UnityPoint Health - Fort Dodge
Van Diest Supply Company
Henrietta VanMaanen
Charlie & Mary Lou Walker
Ally & Tony Walter
Jan & Phyllis Wilson
Woodman Controls
Deborah J. & Bruce E. Zemke
Anonymous
Decker Auditorium on the campus of Iowa Central Community College was for decades the premier venue in north central Iowa for Broadway-style shows, band concerts, and holiday extravaganzas.
The auditorium debuted in the mid-1970s. Very little was done to it since then, and the passage of time took its toll.
“Rarely do you build anything and not do anything with the inside for 50 years,” President, Dr. Jesse Ulrich said. “But that’s what happened here.”
As college leaders set out to determine what was needed to update the auditorium, it was decided that some additional features would preserve the site’s status as the premier venue and enhance the educational experience for students in the performing arts.
What resulted was a complete overhaul of the auditorium and the construction of a new Center for Performing Arts on its south side.
“This project really reflects Iowa Central’s commitment to the fine arts and the performing arts, and it reflects our commitment to students who want to learn and grow in the fine arts,” Ulrich said.
The new facilities should be a “point of pride” for the community, he added.
Ulrich said the revamped auditorium is a quality of life feature for the area that provides a place for area residents to enjoy quality performances close to home.
The college’s spring musical “Beauty and the Beast” and the Stage Door Productions performance of “Frozen” are already scheduled.
Ulrich said a lot of organizations are now contacting the college about the availability of the auditorium.
The project
Bringing the auditorium into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act was a major objective of the remodeling job. Acoustics also needed to be improved. The 1970s vintage electrical system needed to be replaced.
To accomplish all that, the familiar interior of the facility was torn out.
“That place was gutted, literally gutted out,” Ulrich said.
The newly remodeled auditorium still has about 1,200 seats. It also has all new electrical, lighting and sound systems. And for the first time, it has bathrooms in the second floor balcony area.
The new Center for Performing Arts is a two-story addition to the south side of the auditorium. It provides a new entrance with an elevator to the second floor of the auditorium.
The center also features a new, larger band room; a theater and drama room;a shop for constructing sets; and classrooms.
The project, including the renovation and new construction, started in June 2022. Klinger Construction, of Sioux City, is the general contractor.
Ulrich said it was a roughly $13 million project.
A fundraising effort called the Dream Big Act Now campaign generated more than $3 million to help pay for it.
Don and Dianne Decker, of Fort Dodge, made the lead gift of $1 million. Don Decker is the chairman of the board of Decker Truck Line Inc. and a graduate of Iowa Central.
By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net
