Clark State Community College will honor Pauline Chakeres and her late husband Michael with the prestigious Founder’s Award at this year’s Circle of Friends Gala on April 15. The Founder’s Award is in memory of Barbara and Richard Kuss. The committee selecting each year’s honoree is made up of past Founder’s Award recipients.
“We’re very excited to be honoring Pauline and her late husband Michael Chakeres this year with our Founder’s Award,” said Catherine Maher, Foundation director for Clark State. “Like Richard and Barbara Kuss, Mr. and Mrs. Chakeres were instrumental in making the Performing Arts Center a reality in the early 90s. Their continued support has benefited our students and the community through scholarships and sustaining support for the arts in Springfield.”
Mr. and Mrs. Chakeres founded Chakeres Theaters, the oldest independent motion picture exhibitor in Ohio and Kentucky. Pauline Chakeres said she is honored to be recognized with the Founder’s Award and believes Michael Chakeres would also be pleased.
“The arts are important to Springfield and Clark State,” she said. “It’s a wonderful way to bring culture to the community.”
As the Founder’s Award recipient, Mrs. Chakeres will be presented with a sculpture by Michael Major. The sculpture combines some of the mass shapes of the Performing Arts Center to create a performing figure, celebrating generous giving and artistic excellence.
The Circle of Friends created the Founder’s Award in 2004 to recognize and honor those individuals and businesses who have contributed significantly to the success and sustainability of the Performing Arts Center.
“We will also honor the legacy of Richard and Barbara Kuss at this year’s Gala,” said Adele Adkins, executive director of the Clark State Performing Arts Center. Champagne with a sugar cube will be served while salmon-colored roses will adorn the auditorium in recognition of Mr. and Mrs. Kuss.
The Circle of Friends Committee conducts education, fundraising and public relations programs to benefit the community through the Clark State Performing Arts Center. The Committee is comprised of members of the Clark State Foundation Board and community members.
The Gala will begin with cocktails at 4:30 p.m. at the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. with the Founder’s Award Program to follow. Jim Witter with special guest Tiffany Desrosiers will present “Fire and Rain: The Songs of James Taylor and Carole King” at 7 p.m. in the Kuss Auditorium.
Tickets for the Richard and Barbara Kuss Memorial Concert are required, but are complimentary thanks to the show’s sponsor, the Carleton F. and Ruth Davidson Trust. Tickets are available at the Clark State Performing Arts Center Box Office in person or by calling 937.328.3874.