CHANUTE — A formal groundbreaking ceremony for the Mih Family Fine Arts Center was held at Neosho Community College on Sept. 11, the Chanute Tribune reported.
The project will renovate and modernize the existing theater and construct new facilities including a greenroom, scene shop, a gallery and event area, and a courtyard.
The total bid from Loyd Builders consisted of $5,655,900 for the base bid and an additional $95,700 for bid alternatives, which was approved by the NCCC Board of Trustees during their August meeting.
NCCC President Inbody said that $4.1 million has already been raised by more than 60 donors. The Mih family’s lead gift of $2.1 million is supporting the project.
Dr. Cathy Mih-Taylor and Dr. Alexander D. Mih, both NCCC alumni, made the donation to honor their parents, Dr. Alexander W.S. Mih and Mariam Mih. Mariam was a humanities instructor at NCCC and later served as a member of the Board of Trustees.
Inbody noted that the donation from the Mih family is the largest ever received by the college.
“Our parents were great supporters of the arts. After their passing, my sister and I considered how we might honor them in a way that would be beneficial to the college,” Mih said.
“The greatest need was clearly in the renovation and expansion of the auditorium, a venue in which we both spent considerable time during our years at the college. As we explored this project, it was very clear that Dr. Inbody shared our vision for an expanded fine arts center that would be a great enhancement to the college facilities and would provide for greater opportunities for student engagement and community enrichment on this campus.”
Inbody presented Mih and his sister with plaques to commemorate the occasion.
The Community Service Tax Credit Program, which the college applied for, is also helping fund the project. Inbody added that nearly $600,000 in funding came from the deferred maintenance and capital improvement funds from the state.
Inbody said construction will take roughly a year and is expected to be fully operational by October 2026. Those interested in donating to the project can sponsor theater chairs by contacting the NCCC Foundation via email at foundation@neosho.edu or by calling 620-432-0408.
