EDITORS: For more information on the Hill Auditorium renovation project: http://www.umich.edu/~urel/hill/

ANN ARBOR—A $2 million gift from the Elizabeth E. Kennedy Fund gives a wonderful boost to the renovation of historic Hill Auditorium, at the University of Michigan. The gift will support the construction and furnishing ofthe Lower Lobby of the campus landmark which will be named the ElizabethE. Kennedy Lobby. The project will begin in May 2002 and will take 18months to complete.

The family interest in the U-M extends back through severalgenerations. Elizabeth Kennedy?s parents, Harry Boyd Earhart and hiswife Carrie Beal Earhart, were Ann Arbor philanthropists who activelysupported the University. H.B. Earhart was made an ?Honorary Alumnus? in1932. Elizabeth Earhart, their daughter, attended the University duringher junior year of college and while on campus she was involved inuniversity activities. After her marriage to James A. Kennedy (U-M Law,JD, 1936) they established residence in Ann Arbor and began attendingthe concert series at Hill Auditorium. That steady concert attendancecontinues today, a tradition carried on by their two sons, David andJim.

The EEK Fund was established in 1954 by Elizabeth Kennedy and is devotedto improving the human condition throughout the state of Michigan,providing funds for education, health issues, and the environment. Overthe years, the U-M has benefited on a number of fronts: ClementsLibrary, Bentley Historical Library, Gerald R. Ford Library, aswell as the Center for the Education of Women, the Health System and the University Musical Society. Mrs. Kennedy served as President of the EEK Fund until stepping down in 1993.

In 1988, when the May Festival celebrated the 75th anniversary of HillAuditorium, Elizabeth Kennedy and her sister, Louise Raphael, joinedother donors in providing substantial support for the Festival, makingit the only time the artists? fees were underwritten entirely by privatedonations. She continued her strong support of UMS throughout her activeyears with the EEK Fund.

In commemoration of her long-time love of music and the opportunity toenjoy world-class performances in Ann Arbor, the Board of Trustees ofthe Elizabeth E. Kennedy Fund felt that a major gift to assist therenovation of Hill Auditorium would be an appropriate tribute to thewoman whose vision and action has made many things possible. Thecreation and naming of the lower lobby will serve as a reminder to allthose who benefit from her generosity.

News and Information ServicesUniversity of Michigan

http://www.umich.edu/~urel/hill/Hill AuditoriumBentley Historical LibraryCenter for the Education of WomenNews and Information ServicesUniversity of Michigan