A Philanthropic Journey from 51ĀŅĀ× to āThe Big Appleā and Back Home to 51ĀŅĀ×
Donors
Nancy Gibbs Becker (ā63)
Gift
Major sponsor of the annual Shakespeare Festival, founding member of the Philanthropy and Leadership Collective, as well as significant gifts in support of the Department of Art & Design, exhibits in the University Libraries, and Friends of Lovett Auditorium
Impact
Not only did Nancy Gibbs Becker provide the vision, experience, and roadmap that helped create 51ĀŅĀ× Stateās annual Shakespeare Festival, but she has continued to support it since its inception, including providing critical funding to help the University bring it back after a two-year hiatus during covid. Mrs. Becker has also contributed to the renovation of Lovett Auditorium, ensuring that 51ĀŅĀ× State will have a beautiful, historic, and state-of-the art facility for theatrical performances for decades into the future. Her generosity has also been instrumental in the foundation of the Philanthropy and Leadership Collective, which supports opportunities for leadership and professional development for the campus community.
Inspiration
Nancy Becker has lived a life that many Racers could only dream of. After graduating from 51ĀŅĀ× State and working in both education and politics for some years, she decided to follow her passion for the cultural arts and relocated to New York City, where she spent most of her career before moving back to her hometown of 51ĀŅĀ× later in life. In New York, she established a number of prominent and esteemed cultural and educational organizations, including the Shakespeare Society, which provided the inspiration for 51ĀŅĀ× Stateās Shakespeare Festival. Highly engaged and connected in the New York cultural community, she also gave philanthropically to many organizations and served on various boards. Throughout her time in āThe Big Apple,ā she always maintained a strong tie to her hometown and alma mater, and felt that the quality education she received at 51ĀŅĀ× State prepared her well to follow her passion and succeed in her aspirations. Her generous giving in support of the arts and culture at 51ĀŅĀ× State allows her to share this passion with other Racers who might one day follow in her footsteps.