Inspired Spaces
Your support will help us develop and enhance student-forward spaces that inspire creativity and innovation and provide hands-on experiences necessary for careers and successes of tomorrow. Donations will ensure our students graduate equipped with opportunities, skills and experiences needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.


A Foundation for the Arts
With the single largest gift in Shenandoah’s history, alumnus Wilbur Dove ’59 and his wife Clare are making a transformational investment in the future of the arts. Their historic $20 million naming gift for the new Center for the Arts & Performance Hall will create the stage where the talent of our students and faculty will shine for generations to come.
This Center for the Arts & Performance Hall will transform the university, and will allow Shenandoah and its conservatory to continue to provide the very best educational experience and opportunities to its students. It is my hope that others who cherish their relationship with Shenandoah as much as I do are encouraged to do what they can to ensure the continued success of this great university.”
– Shenandoah Alumnus & Benefactor Wilbur Dove ’59
Center for the Arts & Performance Hall
This visionary building will serve as the performing arts hub on main campus and elevate student learning, audience experiences, and Shenandoah’s reputation as a national leader in arts training, solidifying our position as a premier cultural center for the region and beyond––a place where talent can shine.

From Our Stages to the Tony Awards: J. Robert Spencer ’91 on the Power of Place
The transformation from promising student to celebrated artist is forged not only by talent and dedication, but also in nurturing spaces. We are proud to feature Tony Award-nominated actor and Shenandoah Conservatory alumnus J. Robert Spencer, B.F.A. in Musical Theatre ’91, as he reflects on the specific places at Shenandoah that shaped his remarkable career.
Wilkins Athletics & Events Center
The Wilkins Athletics and Events Center is a vital asset for Shenandoah University and the Winchester-Frederick County community, hosting athletic competitions, student activities, and large-scale community events. It enhances the student-athlete experience, attracts students, and boosts community engagement and economic growth. Continued support is needed to expand the center and meet growing needs.

Strengthening Our Core: A Vision for the Wilkins Athletics and Events Center
The Wilkins Athletics and Events Center is at the heart of our Hornet community, providing a home for nearly 600 student-athletes and a hub for university events. Its next phase requires a critical expansion—a true “inspired space”—that includes renovated locker rooms and a new centerpiece weight room for all students. This project will enhance the student experience, foster a deeper sense of belonging and pride, and expand our community engagement. Your support is essential to make this vision a reality and build a stronger future for Shenandoah.
Future Capital Projects
To ensure Shenandoah University’s continued growth, modernization, and ability to provide a world-class learning environment, we need strong donor support for future capital projects and ongoing campus maintenance. These investments are critical for updating facilities, enhancing infrastructure, and preserving our historic campus, all of which directly impacts the student experience and the university’s long-term success, building a future where Shenandoah will shine for years to come.









