Photos and story by Kelly Stenka
Smiling faces, a pile of dirt, and shiny shovels in hand—it’s official, Doane University is making room for creativity to shine. On January 17, the university broke ground on its long-anticipated $23 million performing arts center, a project that’s been in production for over a decade.
With $20 million in private donations backing the project, this isn’t just any renovation. Students and faculty are looking forward to a top-tier theater, new band rooms, upgraded practice spaces—the works. As Jeff Stander, chair of the theatre department, put it, “The arts need to be celebrated, not cut down.” And that’s exactly what’s happening. The growth in students and class sizes has made this expansion not just a want, but a need.
Doane’s President Roger Hughes ’82 is excited about what this means for the university. “While others are pulling back, we’re soaring forward,” he said. Beyond the bricks and mortar, this is about elevating the liberal arts experience—critical thinking, new opportunities, and setting students up for greatness.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Band Director Andrew Feyes sees this as a game-changer for rehearsals, with more room to let creativity flow. “It’s going to have a massive ripple effect here at Doane,” he shared. And Choir Director Kurt Runestad couldn’t agree more, calling this moment a pivotal one in Doane’s story.
Mark your calendars—construction is set to wrap up by summer 2026, just in time for current freshmen and sophomores to make the most of it. With a legacy of award-winning bands, choirs, and a theatre program that draws crowds, this new space will take things to the next level.
Here’s to the arts thriving, and here’s to Doane making it happen!
