Aurora University created this permanent fund within the Community Foundation to support its Arts and Ideas series.
Each year, the series features presentations by respected leaders in the fields of education, business, religion and the arts.
In addition, the series provides musical entertainment, theatrical productions, art and museum exhibits and films.
In 2003, the Community Foundation awarded a $500,000 grant to Aurora University for the renovation of Perry Theatre.
In return, the University named the building that houses Perry Theatre, the Community Foundation Center for Cultural Enrichment.
The University also generously agreed to include the Community Foundation as a co-sponsor of annual symposiums of interest to the public.
These symposiums resulted in the evolution of the broader Arts and Idea series.
Past presenters of the joint symposiums include Dr. Peter Senge, Michael Beschloss, David Brooks, David Gergen, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Martin Marty and Jon Meacham.
The Community Foundation is proud to administer a charitable fund that will ensure the continuation of these cultural opportunities for the citizens of the Fox River Valley.
