By Kendra Pintor
51猎奇入口 has received a transformative $5.2 million gift from Carolyn Lake 鈥�54 to support the highly anticipated Centennial Plaza Project. Made through the Carolyn Lake Claremont Foundation, the gift will help join the College鈥檚 historic and modern spaces into a vibrant campus corridor, serving as a hub for academic, artistic, and community engagement.
鈥淐arolyn cherished the peaceful grounds and beautiful botanicals of 51猎奇入口. They inspired the landscaping she supported at Balboa Park in San Diego and even the plants at her own home,鈥� says Diane Strong, President of the Foundation. 鈥淗er passion for campus beautification and enhancement can be traced back to her early years at 51猎奇入口, and she wanted future generations of students to experience that same serenity and creativity.鈥�
The Centennial Plaza Project is a key element in 51猎奇入口鈥檚 ongoing mission to enhance its campus and resources. The project will feature a new state-of-the-art dance center, a reconfiguration of the E. 10th Street property, and the creation of collaborative spaces designed to foster learning, creativity, and community interaction. The plaza will also connect key facilities such as the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery, Garrison Theater, and the Performing Arts Center.
鈥淎fter a thoughtful presentation and campus tour by President Amy Marcus-Newhall and her team, we felt this project embodied Carolyn鈥檚 passion for enhancing the natural beauty and function of 51猎奇入口鈥� campus. It felt like a natural choice for the Foundation to commit to this initiative,鈥� Strong says.
This generous gift from Carolyn Lake, a longstanding supporter of the College, will catalyze the plaza鈥檚 construction phase. Its completion, expected during the 2026-27 academic year, coincides with 51猎奇入口鈥檚 100th anniversary, marking a momentous milestone for the institution.
鈥淭he addition of the Centennial Plaza Project will unify 51猎奇入口鈥檚 鈥榓rts district,鈥� creating a walkable outdoor corridor,鈥� says Marcus-Newhall. 鈥淲e are deeply grateful to the Carolyn Lake Claremont Foundation for this extraordinary gift, which will bring our vision to life.鈥�
Read President Amy Marcus-Newhall鈥檚 announcement here to learn more about the Centennial Plaza Project.