Under clear skies, a significant event unfolded at the Dandini Campus of Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC). Here, students, school leaders, and community members gathered for the groundbreaking of the EastView Theater, a new venue for the performing arts.
SGA Senator Emarie Bettere, addressing the attendees, stated, "On behalf of my fellow students, I want to express a heartfelt and enthusiastic thank you to everyone who advocated, planned, and pushed to make this new building a reality. This isn't just another construction project to us. It's a dream coming to life—brick by brick.” Additionally, Bettere remarked, “More than anything, this new space represents opportunity. It's a place where collaboration will happen naturally, where friendships will grow, and where students from all backgrounds can feel inspired and supported in their creative journeys. It's a space that says, 'You belong here. Your work matters.'"
TMCC President Karin Hilgersom highlighted the building’s dual role. "Before we closed the TMCC Nell J. Redfield Performing Arts Center in 2019, we had many conversations about how to keep our theatre and dance classes thriving,” Hilgersom noted. The pandemic stalled progress, but Hilgersom remarked on growth across other disciplines: “We’ve been shaping a new direction for TMCC Theatre, with the hiring of some amazing faculty over the past few years...our architecture students will also have a home in the new theater building.”
Hilgersom considers this project "a huge win for TMCC and its students, which will resonate with the community for many years to come.” The event featured a dance performance and remarks from TMCC leaders and partners. Visual elements, such as renderings by Van Woert Bigotti Architects, were unveiled to applause. CORE Construction will lead the building's development.
Expressing excitement over the integration of arts and architecture, Dr. Jeffrey Alexander, Vice President of Academic Affairs, envisaged the theater’s completion in 18 months. The ceremony concluded with a celebratory start to the building's construction, featuring several community leaders.
For those interested in supporting the EastView Theater, fundraising contributions can be coordinated through the TMCC Foundation.