President Emeritus Dr. Kent Wyatt (left) was presented with the BPAC President's Award Thursday by Delta State President William N. LaForge.The Bologna Performing Arts Center proudly announced President Emeritus Dr. Kent Wyatt as the 2014 recipient of the President’s Award. Delta State University President William N. LaForge presented the award Thursday at a special event on the theater stage. The President’s Award is given in recognition of outstanding service to the BPAC.
“While the BPAC is celebrating its twentieth anniversary Season, it’s fitting that Dr. Wyatt is the twentieth recipient of this award,” said LaForge. “It was the vision and leadership of Dr. Wyatt’s presidency that saw the creation of a state-of-the-art performing arts center on Delta State’s campus.”
Delta State’s president presents the award annually to individuals who have contributed their expertise, insights and energy to promote the arts for the enrichment of the Delta in special ways. The award is the BPAC’s highest honor. Acknowledgement is made through a unique award modeled after architectural details of the BPAC façade, and is crafted by Bill Lester, Delta State emeritus professor of art.
Wyatt’s wife, Janice, received the award in 1999, and is the namesake for the Janice Wyatt Mississippi Summer Arts Institute, the comprehensive summer art program which she helped launch in 1998. Over the past 20 years, both Wyatts have given unwavering support to the BPAC and worked tirelessly on its behalf.
Earlier this year, in commemoration of the Wyatt’s 50 years of service to Delta State, the BPAC purchased two statues, “Twin Flames,” in honor of the Wyatts to remain as part of the Sculpture Garden’s permanent collection.
The BPAC was built in 1994 through state funding through the Mississippi legislature, and in 1995 began its first season of national and international touring productions. To learn more about the BPAC or to get tickets to an upcoming performance, visit www.bolognapac.com or stop by the center.
