In 2015, alumni John and Rosemary Brown pledged $57 million toward completion of a $1 billion Because This is Auburn campaign. The gift included $25 million to fund a new performing arts center on the Auburn University campus. Auburn leadership agreed to match the gift, and a $15 million private campaign was launched to complete the proposed $65 million project.
Auburn University engaged AMS Planning & Research to determine program opportunities, guide planning, and develop an operating pro forma for the proposed performing arts center. In tandem with this effort, AMS helped coordinate a design charrette to select the architect for the project.
With an aggressive timeline to complete construction, AMS provided implementation planning support to ensure clarity around major operational and programmatic milestones prior to, during, and after construction. AMS conducted supplemental research to guide mission development, governance structure within the University, and best practices in rental activities, food service, development, and PR.
Additionally, AMS also provided support to Auburn University in its search for an Executive Director by screening applicants and conducting informational interviews. Through mid-2018, AMS continued to serve as a resource to guide decision-making in design, and monitoring implementation planning for the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, named for the outgoing Auburn University President and his wife. The Gogue PAC opened in August, 2019.
