Benefactors step forward to provide major support for the continued growth of the performing arts center

Rochester, New York – For decades, the idea of a thriving performing arts scene at Rochester Institute of Technology might have seemed distant to some students. Today, however, that vision is taking shape in a very real—and very impressive—way, thanks in large part to the generosity of dedicated benefactors who believe in the power of creativity alongside academic pursuit.

At the center of this transformation is the new RIT Performing Arts Center, a project that has steadily gained momentum not only through institutional support but also through meaningful contributions from alumni and friends of the university. Among them is Bob Kalka, a 1989 graduate in computer science, whose journey reflects both the challenges of the past and the opportunities of the present.

As a student, Kalka had a passion for performing. But at the time, RIT simply did not offer many outlets for artistic expression. “There weren’t too many outlets for it then, or I would have been in the middle of it,” he said. That absence, while disappointing, stayed with him over the years.

Fast forward more than three decades, and Kalka’s life has taken a different path—one marked by professional success and continued artistic engagement. With a long career in cybersecurity at IBM and a deep connection to the vibrant music scene in Austin, Texas, he has managed to keep his passion alive. Still, returning to RIT and seeing how much has changed left a lasting impression.

In September, Kalka toured the Performing Arts Center while it was still under construction. What he found exceeded anything he had imagined. “It blew away my expectations,” he said. “This is truly a world-class theater.”

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That moment helped inspire a decision. Kalka and his wife, Kelly Porter Kalka, a 1988 marketing graduate, chose to give back in a way that would directly support future generations of students. Their donation will name the theater’s follow spot room, a space essential to stage lighting and production.

For Kalka, the gift is about more than recognition—it is about opportunity. “We’re proud to help give the students this creative outlet,” he said. “I know how important it is for students to have a hobby outside their areas of study. This will help let them keep their music as a hobby and get a professional job.”

His words echo a broader shift at RIT, where performing arts have become an increasingly important part of student life. Since 2019, more than 3,000 students have received Performing Arts Scholarships, a clear sign that the university is investing heavily in creative expression as a complement to its technical and professional programs.

The Performing Arts Center itself stands as a symbol of that commitment. Its development has been fueled by a wide network of donors, each contributing to specific elements of the facility. From the Dave and Nancy Munson Amphitheater, supported by 49 contributors, to the two-story lobby named by Robert J. and Christina Brinkman, the building is a mosaic of generosity.

Other spaces reflect similarly personal connections. The rehearsal room honors President Emeritus Dave Munson and Nancy Munson, while the stage bears the name of trustee Andrew Jacobson. The scene shop is backed by LeChase Construction, and the orchestra pit by Jonathan B. Phillips. Even highly specialized areas, such as the organ restoration funded by the Biggar family and the control room supported by Carol Reed and her husband Guy, highlight the range of support behind the project.

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Each named space tells its own story—of gratitude, legacy, and belief in the arts. And yet, the project is not complete. Several naming opportunities remain open, inviting others to leave their mark on a center that promises to shape student experiences for years to come.

What emerges from all of this is a simple but powerful idea: education is not only about careers, but also about creativity, balance, and personal growth. At RIT, that idea is now being built into the very walls of a world-class facility—one made possible by those who remember what was missing and chose to help ensure it would not be missing anymore.