A generous supporter of many nonprofit organizations in the Mohawk Valley and beyond, alumnus Eugene Romano '49 has made a major gift to Hamilton. The $2.5 million donation is targeted for the construction of a new 150-seat theatre that will serve both Hamilton and the surrounding communities. Over the many years that he has supported the College, this is Romano's largest gift.
When asked what has motivated his consistent support of Hamilton over the decades, Romano replies, "I love Hamilton! . . . and it's much more than its beautiful grounds and buildings. It is the spirit of comradeship, eagerness to learn, willingness to accept a difficult task or project, a spirit of cooperation with others, an appreciation of civility, ethics and honesty, the enjoyment of good literature, and music and art. To me, Hamilton is an inchoate spirit of well being that never ceases to grow."
"This splendid gift will help us expand our already robust arts programming," said President Joan Hinde Stewart. "Gene Romano has been a visionary supporter of Hamilton and the local community. His gift is yet another demonstration of his immense generosity and his dedication to our College's mission."
Although as a student at Hamilton Romano majored in American studies, he has been engaged in the arts since childhood. His decision to direct this gift toward the theatre program was influenced by his passion for the arts. "I very much enjoy the performing arts. As a 13-, 14- and 15-year old during WWII, I played the piano in just about every bar and lounge in Utica (the older boys were in the service). I guess you could describe me as a bar room piano player with a Fats Waller-like style. I also am an opera buff and was a substantial investor in Neil Simon plays and a few Broadway musicals including 'Jerome Robbins' Broadway,' which earned 12 Tony's in 1989."
In expressing his vision for the new facility, Romano said, "the new theatre will give more Hamilton students additional opportunity to acquire and practice the art of producing and acting. I would like to see more Hamiltonians give their unique touch to Broadway."
"This facility will bring increased focus on the theatre arts on campus and offer the public an accessible and welcoming venue as well," said Board of Trustees Chair Stuart Scott. "Gene Romano's continuing generosity and commitment to the College has enriched the opportunities Hamilton extends both to its students and the surrounding community. We are fortunate to have an alumnus like Gene who is steadfast in his vision and support."
Sam Pellman, professor of music and faculty coordinator of arts facilities planning, explained that the theatre, "will offer Hamilton students additional opportunity to acquire and practice the art of producing and acting. We envision a theatre that will be a center for creative activity for the College and the community. The facility will have a flexible performance space, a smaller black box theatre for student productions, a costume shop, scenery shop, seminar room and teaching studio."
Romano, chairman and founder of Pacemaker Steel and Piping Co., Inc. and president of Tricor Management Corp, received an honorary degree from Hamilton in May 2007. When asked how Hamilton prepared him for his career as a successful entrepreneur, Romano says, "Someway, somehow, I came out of Hamilton willing to take on just about any task that came along, with little fear of failing, but with just enough good judgment not to make foolish mistakes. I really didn't think about what my career path would be when I was a student. Neither did I fear going hungry. I think I knew I would be a business owner, but had no clue as to what avenue I would stumble upon." In fact Romano blames Hamilton and the skills he acquired there for causing him to be engaged in too many diverse enterprises, keeping him busier than he would be had he undertaken one large endeavor. He says that the College taught him to accurately assess many varied situations and to take whatever action necessary.
In 1999, Romano established the Romano Entrepreneurs Fund, a scholarship at Hamilton for students from the Mohawk Valley who have shown an entrepreneurial spirit and indicate a willingness to return to the area after their educations are complete. It is a part of a long-standing commitment to the Mohawk Valley. He believes that an investment in the college will ultimately benefit the entire Utica area.
Romano's other recent gifts to Mohawk Valley nonprofit organizations include funding for expansions and renovations at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Boys and Girls Club, New Hartford library, the Stanley Theatre, and the Science Hall at Utica College. His wife, Loretta, is an active supporter and vice president of the Utica Symphony among several other arts organizations.
When asked what has motivated his consistent support of Hamilton over the decades, Romano replies, "I love Hamilton! . . . and it's much more than its beautiful grounds and buildings. It is the spirit of comradeship, eagerness to learn, willingness to accept a difficult task or project, a spirit of cooperation with others, an appreciation of civility, ethics and honesty, the enjoyment of good literature, and music and art. To me, Hamilton is an inchoate spirit of well being that never ceases to grow."
"This splendid gift will help us expand our already robust arts programming," said President Joan Hinde Stewart. "Gene Romano has been a visionary supporter of Hamilton and the local community. His gift is yet another demonstration of his immense generosity and his dedication to our College's mission."
Although as a student at Hamilton Romano majored in American studies, he has been engaged in the arts since childhood. His decision to direct this gift toward the theatre program was influenced by his passion for the arts. "I very much enjoy the performing arts. As a 13-, 14- and 15-year old during WWII, I played the piano in just about every bar and lounge in Utica (the older boys were in the service). I guess you could describe me as a bar room piano player with a Fats Waller-like style. I also am an opera buff and was a substantial investor in Neil Simon plays and a few Broadway musicals including 'Jerome Robbins' Broadway,' which earned 12 Tony's in 1989."
In expressing his vision for the new facility, Romano said, "the new theatre will give more Hamilton students additional opportunity to acquire and practice the art of producing and acting. I would like to see more Hamiltonians give their unique touch to Broadway."
"This facility will bring increased focus on the theatre arts on campus and offer the public an accessible and welcoming venue as well," said Board of Trustees Chair Stuart Scott. "Gene Romano's continuing generosity and commitment to the College has enriched the opportunities Hamilton extends both to its students and the surrounding community. We are fortunate to have an alumnus like Gene who is steadfast in his vision and support."
Sam Pellman, professor of music and faculty coordinator of arts facilities planning, explained that the theatre, "will offer Hamilton students additional opportunity to acquire and practice the art of producing and acting. We envision a theatre that will be a center for creative activity for the College and the community. The facility will have a flexible performance space, a smaller black box theatre for student productions, a costume shop, scenery shop, seminar room and teaching studio."
Romano, chairman and founder of Pacemaker Steel and Piping Co., Inc. and president of Tricor Management Corp, received an honorary degree from Hamilton in May 2007. When asked how Hamilton prepared him for his career as a successful entrepreneur, Romano says, "Someway, somehow, I came out of Hamilton willing to take on just about any task that came along, with little fear of failing, but with just enough good judgment not to make foolish mistakes. I really didn't think about what my career path would be when I was a student. Neither did I fear going hungry. I think I knew I would be a business owner, but had no clue as to what avenue I would stumble upon." In fact Romano blames Hamilton and the skills he acquired there for causing him to be engaged in too many diverse enterprises, keeping him busier than he would be had he undertaken one large endeavor. He says that the College taught him to accurately assess many varied situations and to take whatever action necessary.
In 1999, Romano established the Romano Entrepreneurs Fund, a scholarship at Hamilton for students from the Mohawk Valley who have shown an entrepreneurial spirit and indicate a willingness to return to the area after their educations are complete. It is a part of a long-standing commitment to the Mohawk Valley. He believes that an investment in the college will ultimately benefit the entire Utica area.
Romano's other recent gifts to Mohawk Valley nonprofit organizations include funding for expansions and renovations at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Boys and Girls Club, New Hartford library, the Stanley Theatre, and the Science Hall at Utica College. His wife, Loretta, is an active supporter and vice president of the Utica Symphony among several other arts organizations.
