Campaign Update: Center for Fine Arts/Black Box

Connors Family Fine Arts Center

Home of The Resinski Black Box Theatre

Campaign Update: Saint Francis University has been blessed with a passionate group of alumni who have come together by taking on a successful fundraising campaign to honor the legacy of Kenny Resinski, long-time director and drama professor from 1967-2013.

The response to the appeal has been quick and generous! To date, fundraising has surpassed the $3,000,000 mark with gifts and pledges from more than 300 individuals. Originally, the plan was to transform an existing physical plant space into the Resinski Black Box Theatre, next to the Boilerhouse Music and the Arts Garage facilities.

With the outpouring of financial support from alumni and friends coupled with strategic planning by the University, the decision has been made to construct an entirely new building to house all fine arts programs under one roof, including music, dance, visual arts, performing arts, and the Resinski Black Box Theatre.

The University established the academic Center for the Fine Arts in spring 2019, bringing together all fine arts programs under one department led by Dr. Daniel Atwood. Now with a dedicated building on the way, the arts will have a physical home to support the vibrant academic vision.

The Connors Family Fine Arts Center will be located across from DeGol Field on the corner of St. Catherine Street and St. Peter Street near one of the main entrances to the campus. The site is already owned by the University, has ample parking and is in a much more visually prominent location than was the original garage site.

The Resinski Black Box Theatre will be the keystone feature in the new Center. It will be dedicated to Kenny Resinski, who passed away in 2013, and his wife, Bonnie, costume designer extraordinaire, who continues to be a driving force in the Lasting impact: Kenny started his tenure at SFU in 1967, and in the decades that followed until his death in 2014, he inspired thousands of students and captivated audience members.

arts at Saint Francis.

The dream of a Black Box Theatre began two years before Kenny died when the Resinskis submitted a proposal to the SFU “Visions 2020” strategic campaign. Bonnie continued to advocate for the idea of stand-alone theatre building until the idea took hold.

Project architects, IKM of Pittsburgh, PA, are creating several architectural designs and outlining revised costs associated with the new facility. Additionally, IKM has begun in-depth, on-campus focus sessions with all project stakeholders to guarantee a facility that meets today’s students’ needs and can adapt to the future needs of the theatre and all the fine arts on campus.

Groundbreaking is planned for early 2022 with the building expected to be operational for the University’s 175th anniversary celebrations that year.

To support the project, please contact Bob Crusciel, Marie Melusky, or Steve Hessmann in the Advancement Office at (814) 472-3021 or visit the website francis.edu/MakeAGift.

Tie One On For The Resinski Black Box Theatre: Kenny loved a flamboyant tie. His vast collection has served as a spirited fundraiser within the tight-knit theater community. Kenny’s wife, Bonnie, is a passionate advocate who is working with the architectural firm IKM of Pittsburgh, PA, to create the vision for the Connors Family Fine Arts Center and the magic that will take place within.