With a fall 2004 opening for the new on-campus center for the arts now scheduled, the Providence College Board of Trustees has determined that the establishment of the center would not have been possible without the vision and leadership of College President Rev. Philip A. Smith, O.P. "Father Smith has ably and eloquently served as both the champion and the steward of the Providence College mission," says Michael A. Ruane, board chair and a member of the Class of 1971.

"Over the last decade, his commitment to excellence in the liberal arts as the core of a Providence College education has inspired a host of curricular and campus improvements. These initiatives have undeniably strengthened our mission as a Catholic, Dominican liberal arts college."

In recognition of these accomplishments, the Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to name this new building the Smith Center for the Arts. Adds Ruane, "It is entirely fitting that the new center for the arts should bear the name of the individual who has done so much to propel Providence College to a place of increased regional and national recognition, and to prepare us so well for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century."

President's legacy
In naming the Smith Center for the Arts, the Board of Trustees has acknowledged Father Smith's many contributions to the College. Since assuming the presidency of Providence College in 1994, Father Smith has worked to advance the College's reputation, spearheading efforts to dramatically increase the academic quality of the student body and, in turn, attracting and retaining faculty from some of the best colleges and universities in the nation. Academic merit scholarships were introduced; enrollment in the Liberal Arts Honors Program has more than doubled; and independent college guides have ranked PC consistently as one of the top two comprehensive liberal arts colleges in the Northeast.

Campus improvements include the construction of St. Dominic Chapel; refurbishment of Raymond Dining Hall and Phillips Memorial Library; opening of McPhail's Entertainment Facility; creation of the Alumni Hall Food Court; improvements to the locker rooms, athletic offices, and other facilities in Alumni Hall; and major advances in classroom instructional technology.

Among a number of new academic, extracurricular, and community initiatives are several directly related to the performing arts: the introduction of a major in music education and a minor in dance; invitations to the College's premier choral groups to sing throughout Europe; student participation in national theatre competitions; and sponsoring a popular summer vocal institute and hosting choral and band festivals for high school students. In 1994, there were just four students majoring in music and nine in theatre arts. Today, there are 30 majors and 19 minors in music and 20 majors and seven minors in theatre.

"The performing arts are an integral dimension of a liberal arts education," noted Father Smith at the center's groundbreaking ceremony in June 2003. "The Dominican Order, in particular, has a long tradition of excellence and innovation in theatre arts. The new center for the arts supports Providence College's mission by providing a new and exciting venue for our vibrant programs."

In response to the Board's decision, Father Smith reiterated the importance of an arts center in fulfilling the College's mission. "Just as St. Dominic Chapel fulfilled the long-cherished dream of a dedicated sacred space to inspire worship and service, the center for the arts will be a centerpiece for the performing arts at Providence College for many years to come. I am deeply honored and profoundly grateful to be recognized in this way."

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