Supporting our shining stars

Andy Kaiser ’91, chief financial officer for Cincinnati Bell, and Nick Warrington, director of events and community engagement for Wright State’s College of Liberal Arts.

Cincinnati Bell will be the presenting sponsor for Wright State University’s 22nd annual ArtsGala on April 17, 2021.

One of the premier arts events in the Dayton region, ArtsGala showcases the talent of students in Wright State’s theatre, dance, art, music and motion pictures programs. Since its inception, ArtsGala has raised more than $3 million for student scholarships in the fine and performing arts.

“We are pleased to welcome Cincinnati Bell as our new presenting sponsor for ArtsGala,” said Nick Warrington, director of events and community engagement for Wright State’s College of Liberal Arts. “Cincinnati Bell is a longtime supporter of the arts in the Cincinnati region. We are honored that they have chosen to partner with Wright State as they further expand their services in the Dayton market.”

Andy Kaiser, chief financial officer for Cincinnati Bell, said the Dayton region is an important part of the company’s growth strategy and philanthropic endeavors.

“When Cincinnati Bell invests in a community, we don’t just focus on providing technology services to consumers and businesses. We also enthusiastically support organizations that make the community special and enhance its quality of life,” Kaiser said. “We have a longstanding tradition of supporting arts organizations, and Wright State’s programs play a critical role in the Dayton fine arts ecosystem. We are thrilled to be a sponsor.”

For Cincinnati Bell, world-class arts programs — like those at Wright State — are essential to attracting and retaining talent.

“The arts are so important both from a quality-of-life and an economic development perspective. We know that a strong arts community is a key factor when companies are considering where to expand or relocate,” said Kaiser. “Ultimately, the arts are critical to creating a healthy Dayton and a healthy Cincinnati — and that’s important to a healthy Cincinnati Bell.”

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual ArtsGala attracted more than 800 patrons to Wright State’s Creative Arts Center for an unforgettable night of live performances in dance, opera, classical music, jazz and the best of Broadway. Themed dining rooms, student films and a silent auction would round out the evening.

“While it is our greatest hope to offer an in-person event in 2021, we are exploring all of our options in light of the current pandemic,” said Warrington. “Our ArtsGala host committee is working closely with Cincinnati Bell and our other sponsors to plan a memorable evening that will continue to showcase the outstanding talents of our students in the fine and performing arts.”

Regardless of the event’s format in 2021, Cincinnati Bell is most looking forward to supporting Wright State’s rising stars of tomorrow.

“We’ve all heard stories about the shy kid who gets engaged in the arts and realizes a hidden talent that transforms his or her life. Outstanding arts programs — like those offered at Wright State — welcome these young students and offer them the opportunity to turn a passion into a career,” said Kaiser. “This creates a funnel of artists who will keep our community arts organizations vibrant and relevant well into the future. On a personal note, I grew up in Beavercreek and received a bachelor’s degree in business from Wright State University, so the entire Dayton area holds a very special place in my heart. As such, I could not be more excited about supporting and growing with such a vibrant community.”