LBW Community College Recognizes Dixon Foundation Contribution

June 27, 2022

Individuals pictured from left to right: Chrissie Duffy, LBW Director of Institutional Advancement; Phillip Jones, Dixon Foundation Treasurer; Trippy McGuire, Dixon Foundation Vice President; Dr. Brock Kelley, LBW President; Doris Tyler, Dixon Foundation President; Rhett Johnson, Dixon Foundation Director; Jose Soares, Andalusia Ballet Academy; Paula Harr, Covington County Arts Council; Gina Kerr, Andalusia Ballet Board; Laura Wells, Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce Director; and Dr. Steve Hubbard. Not pictured is Dixon Foundation Secretary, Louisa Baker.

LBW Community College and the LBWCC Foundation recognized the Dixon Foundation for contributions to the theater and celebrated the 40^th anniversary of the Martha and Solon Dixon Center for the Performing Arts.

“Thanks to the support of the Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation, we have been able to maintain a level of technical excellence that has allowed us to host hundreds of professional events through the Covington Arts Council, as well as our beloved local productions, countless recitals and pageants, including regular performances by the Andalusia Ballet and LBW’s own Ensemble,” said Chrissie Duffy, Director of Institutional Advancement.

“With new upgrades in place, the Theater will remain a state-of-the-art theater and be able to accommodate and meet the needs of professional touring companies for many years to come.”

The Performing Arts Center originally was made possible by a gift of more than $500,000 by Solon and Martha Dixon and a $550,000 grant from the Alabama Building Commission. At the time, it was the largest individual gift ever given to a two-year college in Alabama.

“As a proud alumnus and president of LBW, I can attest that the ground on which we stand today is stronger than ever and it’s because of the Dixon Foundation in which the Martha and Solon Dixon Performing Arts Center has remained a world-class facility standing the test of time and becoming a true superstructure,” said Dr. Brock Kelley, LBW President.

“The talent that has graced the stage the past 40 years would not have been possible had it not been for the vision and passion of Solon and Martha Dixon. LBW is forever grateful for the generosity and forward-thinking of the Dixon Foundation.”