THIBODAUX — Thanks to a $100,000 donation from the Lorio Foundation, Nicholls State University has reached more than $1 million in cash or pledges for renovations to the Mary M. Danos Theater in Talbot Hall.
The Nicholls Foundation, the university’s fundraising arm, is working to raise $1.5 million for this project, which will include new theater seating, lighting, sound system, curtains, flooring, walls and ceiling. The improvements to the theater, which has not been renovated since it opened in 1970, will also include more accessible accommodations that complies with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
“The Nicholls Foundation is incredibly grateful to the Lorio Foundation, the Danos family and the many other donors who have quickly gotten behind this worthwhile project,” said Dr. David Boudreaux, Nicholls vice president for institutional advancement. “We are two-thirds to reaching our goal, and the outcome will be a newly renovated theater that serves this region for many years to come.”
The Mary M. Danos Theater is one of the most heavily used facilities on the Nicholls campus and a major cultural center for the region — hosting the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, musical competitions and festivals, summer theater workshops and other community events. In April 2012, the theater was officially named in honor of Mary M. Danos, a Larose native who strongly supported the arts, music and Nicholls.
“It is so gratifying to my family that we have been able to generate a million dollars in such a short period of time from such a cross section of individuals, corporations and foundations,” said Al Danos, Mary’s widower. “Mary was the most unselfish person I’ve ever known. To have the theater named after her, she probably would not have ever sought, but she would have been so pleased with such an honor.”
To contribute to the Mary M. Danos Theater renovation fund, call 985-448-4134 or mail a check — payable to the Nicholls Foundation — to Nicholls Foundation, P.O. Box 2074, Thibodaux, LA 70310.
