Haute 100 lister Tom Hanks is set to visit Wright State University to help dedicate the newly renovated Center for Motion Pictures and celebrate the success of the school’s $150 million fundraising, the university announced.
In a statement, Wright State President David R. Hopkins, said, “If I’m a student at Wright State University and the world’s most famous actor and most trusted man comes here, how special are we? He chose Wright State to lend his name for motion pictures and forever brand us as his choice of places where people have a chance to be successful.”
While the Academy Award winner did not attend the university, he is its national co-chair of Rise. Shine, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Wright State University that promises to further elevate the school’s prominence by expanding scholarships, attracting more top-flight faculty and supporting construction of state-of-the-art facilities. Hank has long been a supporter of the university. He launched a scholarship fund, has produced number of videos in support of the school as well as help raise money for its performing arts program.
During his visit, Hanks will attend a number of private events such as a conversation with the current students in the theatre, dance and motion picture program. He will also appear at the invitation-only gala at the Wright State Nutter Center. The objective of the haute fête is to raise $500,000 for his namesake scholarship and visiting artist program.
Rebecca Cole, vice president for advancement and president of the Wright State University Foundation, said, “Tom Hanks says he believes in this place because it has the same values that he has. Tom Hanks is saying Wright State has meaning and purpose. It gives us a credential that nobody else could have given us.”
In 2011, Hanks had this to say about the university, “Wright State is training the artists of tomorrow. I know because I’ve worked with some of Wright State’s alumni, and they’re among the best in their fields. Wright State not only has one of the most outstanding arts programs in Ohio, but one of the best in the entire nation.”
