Transformative $6 Million Gift from Steph and Allie Pettit Enriches the Arts at Bloomsburg

The Bloomsburg University Foundation and Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg (CU-Bloomsburg) are thrilled to announce a transformational $6 million gift from Steph Pettit ’89 and his wife, Allie, to establish the Steph and Allie Pettit Center for the Arts at CU-Bloomsburg. This landmark gift was unveiled as part of the public launch of The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us, the largest in Bloomsburg’s history.

The Pettits’ generosity will bring state-of-the-art technological upgrades, expanded scholarships, and revitalized spaces to the performing arts programs, propelling Bloomsburg’s students and community into a new era of artistic excellence.

“This extraordinary gift from Steph and Allie Pettit will transform not only our facilities but also the experiences of our students and the broader community,” said CU President, Bashar Hanna. “The new Steph and Allie Pettit Center for the Arts will be a beacon of creativity, drawing talented students, artists, and audiences from across the region and beyond. Their generosity will leave an enduring legacy of excellence in the arts.”

The gift allocates $3 million toward revitalizing the Haas Center for the Performing Arts, home to Mitrani Hall, and $3 million to establish scholarships and ensure sustained technological advancements. Enhancements include cutting-edge theatrical and architectural lighting, immersive audience technologies, and versatile performance spaces designed to elevate both student learning and patron engagement.

“This gift gives our students unprecedented access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, preparing them for thriving careers in the arts,” said CU-Bloomsburg Director of Performing Arts and Arts in Bloom, Abby Manns. “The scholarships will open doors for talented students who might otherwise not have the opportunity to pursue their artistic dreams. I can’t begin to express how grateful we are to Steph and Allie for their support and their vision to ensure that the arts will flourish at Bloomsburg for generations to come.”

For the Pettits, the decision to invest in the arts stems from a deep appreciation for its ability to inspire and connect communities.

“Allie and I believe the arts have the power to change lives, ignite creativity, and bring people together," said Steph Pettit ’89. "Bloomsburg shaped who I am, and it’s an honor to give back to a place that means so much to me. Growing up in a home full of musicians, artists, and performers gave me a great appreciation for the power of music, art and performing arts. We hope this center becomes a place of pride and inspiration for everyone—and that it encourages others to join us in supporting the arts at Bloomsburg."

The Steph and Allie Pettit Center for the Arts will serve as a cultural hub, attracting skilled artists, passionate educators, and enthusiastic audiences to Bloomsburg. This vision is aligned with the campaign’s core pillars—Attract, Prepare, and Elevate—underscoring a commitment to empowering students and fostering academic and artistic excellence.

“We are deeply grateful to Steph and Allie for their transformational gift, which represents a remarkable commitment to our students and the arts,” said CU Vice President for Advancement, Erik Evans. “This is just the beginning of the support we’ll need to fully enhance our programs, facilities, and available scholarships to provide the next generation of artists with the technology, experiences, and opportunities they need to thrive.”

This transformational gift from Steph and Allie Pettit brings the total raised toward The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us to an impressive $79,959,509, advancing the university closer to its $100 million goal. This milestone gift exemplifies the power of philanthropy in shaping the future of Bloomsburg and serves as a rallying point for alumni, donors, and friends to join in making a lasting impact.

For more information on The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us and how you can contribute, visit giving.bloomu.edu/ItStartsWithUs.