Eliza P. Culverhouse Donates $500,000 to UA Dance Program

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Eliza P. Culverhouse has donated $500,000 to The University of Alabama’s department of theatre and dance in the College of Arts and Science to enhance dance education and performance opportunities at the Capstone.

“Mrs. Culverhouse’s gift will allow for endless possibilities of growth for the UA dance program within the areas of choreography, dance technology and film, and professional development and networking,” said Cornelius Carter, UA professor and director of the College’s dance program.

The gift will support the dance program through the creation of the Eliza P. Culverhouse Fund for Excellence in Dance. The fund will provide the opportunity for the department to expand its current efforts while engaging in new artistic partnerships through the Eliza P. Culverhouse Fellowship in Choreography.

“I am honored to partner with UA’s outstanding dance program. The purpose of this fund is to help the University train the next generation of dancers,” said Culverhouse. “It is my hope that the fund will help student dancers find their artistic voices and contribute to the preservation and promotion of dance for future generations.”

UA President Stuart R. Bell recognized Culverhouse for her generosity prior to the Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre’s performance Feb. 28.

“Even now, we are seeing results from Eliza’s philanthropy, and we know her influence will not be limited to our stage alone,” said Bell. “Her gift will cultivate the arts around the world.”

Culverhouse serves as director of community relations for Palmer Ranch Holdings in Sarasota, Florida. As a business professional and philanthropist, her impact on numerous organizations has set the stage for her lasting legacy.

“The gift will help catapult the program’s reputation at both the national and international levels,” said Carter. “In an ever-evolving dance world, this gift allows the program to explore endless possibilities for the future.”

Nationally recognized as a leader in the performing arts, the dance program at UA is the only accredited Bachelor of Arts program in the state. In fall 2020, UA will offer the state’s first and only Master of Fine Arts in dance.