UNC Asheville Receives $1 Million Gift for Lipinsky Hall Renovations

UNC Asheville is thrilled to announce a $1 million challenge gift to support the transformation of Lipinsky Hall, the home of the University’s music department.

This generous contribution will fund major upgrades to both performance and academic spaces in the building, which has long been recognized as a cornerstone of UNC Asheville’s dynamic creative and intellectual community. Planned renovations include enhanced rehearsal rooms, modernized classrooms, and state-of-the-art performance venues designed to foster interdisciplinary learning, collaboration, and artistic excellence.

“This gift represents a powerful investment in the arts and humanities at UNC Asheville,” said Chancellor Kimberly van Noort. “Lipinsky Hall is not only an academic hub but also a cultural landmark. These renovations will significantly enrich the experience of our students, faculty, and the broader Asheville community.”

Originally built in 1964 as a student center and named for Louis Lipinsky, a tireless advocate for UNC Asheville, the building has long served as a space for student expression and public performance. The full renovation will preserve its spirit while reimagining its form for 21st century education and creativity.

One key feature of the renovation is the creation of a true performance hall. With 400-600 seats and concert acoustics, the new performance hall will allow UNC Asheville students and guest artists to share their talents with larger audiences. The performance hall will also serve as the home of the Blue Ridge Orchestra, Asheville’s talented community orchestra.

The alumni donors, long-time champions of the arts, made their contribution in honor of UNC Asheville’s enduring commitment to liberal arts education and its vital role in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and civic engagement.

“These renovations will be transformative for our students,” the donors shared. “They deserve spaces that match their ambition and talent — places where they can rehearse, perform, and grow as artists and thinkers. Lipinsky has always had heart; now it will have the infrastructure to match.”

Construction begins in May 2025, with the intention of minimizing disruption to academic and performance schedules. Renovation plans also include sustainable design upgrades and accessibility improvements, ensuring Lipinsky Hall remains a welcoming home for the Music Department and for guests to appreciate for generations to come.

The $1 million gift underscores the critical role of private philanthropy in advancing public higher education. It complements the $36 million appropriated by the North Carolina General Assembly, helping to fully realize the University’s bold vision for a modern, inspiring home for the performing arts.

To help meet this generous challenge by contributing to the Lipinsky Hall renovation, please contact Kirk Swenson, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, at kswenson@unca.edu.