About the Ferguson Center
Designed by renowned architects I.M. Pei and Henry Cobb, Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center for the Arts provides a world-class facility for CNU’s theatre and music programs. Students and audiences from throughout Virginia and beyond enjoy year-round attractions that have included such headline talent as tenor Andrea Bocelli, Diana Ross, John Legend, Joan Baez, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, Wynton Marsalis, Blue Man Group, Liza Minnelli, Jay Leno, and Broadway shows “Jersey Boys,” “RENT,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” and countless others.
e Ferguson Center features the 1,700-seat Diamonstein Concert Hall, the 500-seat Peebles eatre and the 250-seat Studio eatre. It houses CNU’s School of the Arts, including Music, eatre, and Dance. e facility also includes galleries, workshops, and rehearsal spaces.
Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center for the Arts has become an international force, presenting the nest cultural attractions in the world. Nearly 3 million people have experienced hundreds of performances in our acoustically superb theatres.
Visit FergusonCenter.org for more information.
Committed to Your Financial Dreams
The F inancial A dvisors o f T he A ustin-Decher Group at Morgan Stanley are locals of the Hampton R oads a rea, a nd und erstand the needs o f the c ommunity. O ur e xperienced team* works with our clients to understand their needs and strives to provide them with an exceptional level of customer service. Whether it be planning for college, retirement o r h elping y ou i mplement y our e state plan, we are ready to help serve you.
To learn more about our team and to start a discussion about your financial future please visit our website at advisor.morganstanley.com/ the-austin-decher-group.
The Austin-Decher Group at Morgan Stanley 701 Town Center Drive Suite 902 Newport News, VA 23606 757-597-9601 advisor.morganstanley.com/ the-austin-decher-group
*Wanda – 44 years; Christina – 26 years; Kayla – 8 years; Catherine – 6 years Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
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Photo by: Jerry Gammon
Step Beyond Events. Create Meaningful Celebrations.
“In celebration of the 20 years the Ferguson Center has enriched our community through the beauty of the performing arts.”
Steven and Joan Marks, Encore Society Members
Partner Arts in the BECOME A
Take CENTER STAGE
Contribute $100 or more to receive the following benefits*: The “inside scoop” on performers and tickets
60% of operating costs. Ticket sales fund just
*Benefits vary per level of giving. **Benefits are provided for one year from the date of your donation. Discount may not apply to all shows. Inspire the next generation of performing artists
The Henry L. and Grace Doherty Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Christopher Newport University's Ferguson Center for the Arts is committed to bringing world-class performers to Hampton Roads and providing access to everyone. The Arts for All Program was established in 2006 to provide complimentary and deeply discounted tickets to schools and organizations serving children, families, and military members. The program also supports accessibility services, community outreach initiatives, and a student internship program to mentor the next generation of arts leaders and advocates.
To support the Arts for All program, contact Kim Hinson, Executive Director of Advancement for the Arts, at (757) 594-7179.
LEAVE
A LASTING Legacy
A Principal’s Heart… And a philanthropist’s vision.
Lucy Ann Hancock has always believed in the power of education and connection.
A lifelong educator, she spent 44 years shaping young minds — 33 of them as a beloved principal in Newport News, Virginia. She didn’t just know her students; she knew their families, often calling parents not to report problems but to celebrate their children’s successes. “I wanted parents to know what their kids were doing right,” she recalled with a bright smile. “Every child needs someone in their corner.”
Now, Hancock is continuing her lifelong mission in a meaningful way. Through a very generous gift to Christopher Newport University, she is ensuring more students have access to higher education. Her donation will support scholarships and the Community Captains program, providing mentorship and financial aid to those who need it most.
Hancock’s generosity is an extension of the life she built with her late husband, Mark. They never had children of their own, and she always held her students close to her heart. Through the Mark and Lucy Ann Hancock Community Captains Endowed Scholarship, their legacy of kindness and service endures. Lucy Ann Hancock continues to change lives — one student at a time.
Learn how you can leave a lasting legacy at Christopher Newport by contacting Keith Roots at (757) 594-0581 or keith.roots@cnu.edu.
The Christopher Newport University Theatre Guild is a nonprofit organization that raises scholarship funds to reward excellence and merit, and help Christopher Newport students with real financial need. Last year, the Theatre Guild was proud to grant $47,400 in scholarships! Help make a student’s dream of becoming a Captain come true.
Become a member today! 9 9
Scan the QR code, call (757) 594-0571 or visit cnu.edu/giving/theatreguildgift
All Theatre Guild levels enjoy the following: Playbill recognition Invitations to exclusive TheatreCNU events Vouchers valid for TheatreCNU’s 2025-2026 season* 2025-2026 TheatreCNU Season
Arms and the Man
Oct. 5 & 8-10, 2025
Hooey-Hahs and Foofaraws
Nov. 14-16 & 21-23, 2025
Junie B. Jones, The Musical Dec. 4-6, 2025
Gypsy
Feb. 20-22 & 25-27, 2026
17th Annual Dance Concert March 19 & 20, 2026 The Laramie Project April 10-12 & 17-19, 2026
*Vouchers vary depending on level of membership. All dates and times are subject to change.
