“Today, the reality of our vision has far exceeded anything we could have imagined,” said Clifton Wharton, MSU’s 14th president and benefactor for the center. “Because of the continuing commitment and support, MSU can boast national standing as a premiere center for the arts.”

The renovations, which will cover 24,000 square feet, will consist of a combination of glass and brick to create a four-story structure integrated into the front of the current facility.

“We think about how to make it better, how to make it affect the community in more ways,” Simon said. “We want the Wharton Center to remain the premiere performance site in Mid-Michigan, if not the entire state.”

At this point in the project, Simon said $3 million of the necessary $5 million raised funds have been acquired, but the MSU Board of Trustees has approved the planning. She called the renovations “relatively small in the grand scheme of things, but really important.”

Construction will include an expanded lobby, box office, gift shop, women’s bathroom facility, offices and backstage space. Nine thousand square feet will be dedicated to renovation and the rest will be for new construction.

“Universities have no monopoly on the arts, but the stewardship is all important in providing room for them to grow and stretch,” Dolores Wharton said. “MSU has become a place for the arts to flourish.”

The presentation came at a dinner reception for the anniversary held for university and Wharton Center donors.

“We could not be successful at the Wharton Center without each and every one of you,” Simon said to the audience.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performed at the center — the same group that performed at Wharton Center’s opening 25 years ago.

“September 26, 1982 was one of the most memorable events of our lives,” Clifton Wharton said. “The pride Dolores and I feel is not because the center has been named for us, but because it has become a center for the arts for the entire state and university.”