Y. theater gets $5 million gift

PROVO -- It's not every day that Donny and Marie Osmond show up at Brigham Young University.

Then again, it's not every day that someone donates $5 million to the school's theater and media arts program.

On Thursday, however, both the Osmond duo and Mary Lou Fulton -- a woman with a big heart and a hefty donation -- graced the stage at BYU's Pardoe Theater.

"The theater is where people can come to dream," Donny Osmond said, quoting his "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" director.

"It makes a difference, it really does," added Marie Osmond.

A surprise visit from the Osmonds culminated an hour-long ceremony, which paid tribute to Fulton's generosity and BYU's theater and media arts program.

A love for the creative arts prompted Fulton to make the donation, she said, along with a sincere admiration for BYU students and their high standards.

"It's a wonderful legacy to leave to the world that these children are going to set a new standard in entertainment," Fulton said. "(BYU students) have everything that's needed to make the world a better place."

Fulton's husband, Ira, is a successful Arizona homebuilder and philanthropist. In total, the couple has donated more than $50 million to the university since they first visited its campus in 1999.

Thursday's donation, however, was the largest single academic chair, or endowment, in the school's history.

The money will be used to support students through scholarships, grants and awards. It will also help them secure employment and internship opportunities.

Faculty will get to take advantage of new equipment and increased faculty mentoring support. The money will also commission and develop new theater work for BYU venues.

Fulton clearly stipulated, however, that students must make good on her donation by dedicating themselves to producing material with "integrity, modesty and faith" that is "rooted firmly in the gospel of Jesus Christ."

"The arts of theater and media exert tremendous influence throughout the world. We have an important role to play at BYU in exerting the right kind of influence," said Bob Nelson, chair of BYU's theater and media arts department.

During Thursday's ceremony, music, dance, theater and film numbers displayed BYU's young talent and creative force on a stage dotted with real wooden chairs.

Students in attendance enthusiastically clapped for all the performances, but gave three standing ovations to the Fultons.

"We're just blown away," said Chantelle Squires, who is a recipient of a media arts scholarship.

"What a great example," she added. "I hope that when I grow up and make millions of dollars, that I come back and do the same."

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