Funding is needed for Hancher Auditorium

Robert and Judy Boyd deserve a standing ovation for their insightful April 25 letter about the university’s decision to eliminate funding for Hancher Auditorium.

Hancher is recognized as one of the leading performing arts venues in the country. It is majestic in its scope, design and finishes. Through the efforts of its Executive Director Chuck Swanson and his staff, year in and year out Hancher has brought a steady stream of world-class performers to the stage and the university campus. In addition, Hancher collaborates with academic partners across the university to arrange extended residences for distinguished artists who have enriched the campus and the entire community through public lectures, workshops and excerpts of their performances. Beyond campus and the Iowa City community Hancher arranges performances in every part of the state. One example symbolic of those many projects was the Joffrey Ballet’s ‘River to River Tour’ in cities across Iowa.

Like the Boyds we have been longtime supporters of university athletics and Hancher. We strongly believe Hancher, like university athletics, deserves the financial support of the university. We share Bob and Judy’s hope that the university will reverse its decision and provide funding so Hancher can continue its work as the leading educator in the arts.

Johanna and Terry Abernathy

Cedar Rapids