Shenandoah University took a historic step in the construction of its state-of-the-art entertainment venue when it broke ground on the new Wilbur and Clare Dove Center for the Arts during a special ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 22.

The 59,000-square-foot facility, which is being built adjacent to the university’s Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre, will feature a 600-seat performance hall with balcony, as well as visual art studios, an art gallery, and a cafe. The venue will serve as a regional entertainment destination and a hub for arts, culture and connection. The Dove Center for the Arts will open in August 2028.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Shenandoah University President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., formally announced that the facility will bear the name of Shenandoah alumnus Wilbur Dove ’59 and his wife, Clare, whose historic $21 million gift for the project stands as the largest single donation in Shenandoah’s 151-year history. Dr. Fitzsimmons previously unveiled the name during the university’s annual Conservatory Convocation, a private event for Shenandoah faculty, staff, supporters and students in Shenandoah Conservatory, in September.

This facility represents an incredible milestone for Shenandoah University, our world-renowned conservatory and our rising visual arts programs, as it provides our students and faculty with the world-class stage they so richly deserve. But today is also about more than bricks, mortar, and acoustic perfection. Today is about celebrating unprecedented generosity, honoring visionaries who believe in our mission, and cementing a cultural and economic legacy that will illuminate our entire region for generations to come.”

Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., Shenandoah University President

The Dove Center for the Arts is the product of a record-breaking act of philanthropy from supporters of Shenandoah University, which launched the public phase of its $100 million “Shine” campaign in September 2025, in celebration of its sesquicentennial. 

In addition to the Doves’ historic gift, Shenandoah also received tremendous financial support for the Dove Center for the Arts from principal donors Gerald “J.J.” and Kaye Smith; Cecil Pruitt, Jr.; Marjorie and John Lewis; Alan and Irene Wurtzel; Paul Battista; Dr. Ryuji Ueno; Andrew and Barbara Ferrari; Lauren E. Peterson; Jacqueline B. Mars, and an anonymous partner.

“It’s truly an honor to give back to the university that has done so much for me and my wife – as well as countless others – for so many years,” said Wilbur Dove. “Shenandoah University is a model of excellence in higher education, and this new Center for the Arts will enable the university to continue providing the very best opportunities for students to excel and be the best versions of themselves, while giving the Winchester community a world-class facility where people can fully immerse themselves in the creative arts.”

“Kaye and I are proud to partner with Shenandoah University on this historic milestone,” said J.J. Smith. “Not only will the Dove Center for the Arts enrich the lives of Shenandoah’s students, but it will have a profound impact on the cultural landscape of Winchester. We’re honored to play a part in bringing this vision to life, and we can’t wait to see the incredible performances and art that will come out of this spectacular space.”

The Dove Center for the Arts will provide an intimate experience with exceptional sightlines, clear acoustics and an immersive “front-row” feel. Its world-class design will accommodate a wide range of performances, from large instrumental and vocal ensembles to intimate solo and chamber music, as well as dance and contemporary music productions. Advanced performance systems will enable the hall to adapt to the varied demands of live performances, multimedia events and community programming.

Gathering spaces throughout the building will encourage community interaction, a seated dinner experience, post-show conversation, and educational engagement.

The Dove Center for the Arts experience will feature:

• A 600-seat theatre – including 400 seats on the main floor and 200 balcony seats – designed to blend grand theatrical scale with an immersive, close-up audience experience.
• World-class acoustic engineering designed for an exceptional auditory experience across a diverse spectrum of performances, including symphonic music, solo instrumentalists, vocal performances, chamber music, and contemporary music concerts.
• Innovative design elements that will allow the hall to transform for orchestral concerts, dance performances, multimedia events, and community performances.
• Flexible studio and gallery spaces for Shenandoah University’s growing visual arts program that will include rotating exhibitions and collaborative installations showcasing students’ work.

The Dove Center for the Arts is designed as a vibrant, interdisciplinary ecosystem in which all styles of music, dance, and the visual arts converge. For our faculty, staff, and guest artists, the center will provide an inspired space in which to collaborate, perform, and engage. For our students, the center ensures that Shenandoah Conservatory remains at the forefront of innovative professional training in the performing arts professions, and actively enriches Virginia’s creative economy.”

Jennifer Steele, Ph.D., Dean of Shenandoah Conservatory

The Dove Center for the Arts is designed by HGA, a nationally recognized architecture, engineering and interior design firm known for its expertise in designing exceptional performer and audience experiences. Howard Shockey & Sons, headquartered in Winchester, Virginia, will handle construction.

“Shenandoah University’s Dove Center for the Arts represents an exciting investment in Winchester and our region,” said Winchester Mayor Les Veach. “The arts bring people together, enrich our quality of life, and create opportunities for education, entertainment, and cultural experiences. We are fortunate to have Shenandoah University as a community partner, and I look forward to the positive impact this wonderful facility will have for generations to come.”

The groundbreaking ceremony featured a surprise guest appearance by a skydiver from 3rd Dimension Productions, LLC, who parachuted onto the future site of the Dove Center for the Arts following the ceremonial turning of the dirt and delivered three handmade, custom conductor batons to Fitzsimmons, the Doves and the Smiths to commemorate the special occasion. 

The batons were made by Phil Aguglia, father of 2022 Shenandoah Conservatory alum Jacob Aguglia and owner of PaGu Batons. An anonymous donor sponsored the skydivers as well as an airplane that circled Shenandoah’s main campus before and after the ceremony while pulling banners that celebrated the groundbreaking.

Shenandoah University invites the community to become a permanent part of this historic building through the Luminous Legacy Seat Campaign. Naming opportunities across the performance hall’s 600 seats range from $1,000 to $10,000, supported by flexible multi-year pledge options. Visit su.edu/conservatory/center-for-the-arts to learn more about the Dove Center for the Arts and explore ways to support this exciting project. To learn more about Shenandoah University’s “Shine” campaign, visit su.edu/shine.