By Cheryl K. Hylton
 MARGARET ABE/SPECIAL TO THE TOWN CRIER From left, the Lohmans’ daughter, Meg Young, who lived on the ranch and later attended Foothill College, her husband Tony and their son Doug enjoy the Lohman Theater rendering with Foothill President Bernadine Chuck Fong. |
The sun shone brightly April 13 at the official groundbreaking for the first major construction project since Foothill College opened in 1961 - the Lower Campus Complex, Campus Center and the Lohman Theater.
Inspired by the boundless enthusiasm and generous financial investment of Betty Lohman, the Lohman Theater will be centrally located in the lower campus complex, a welcoming new entrance to Foothill College.
Mrs. Lohman, who died in February, missed the event she had planned for more than a year, but she had identified nearly 100 Los Altos area friends and neighbors for the April 13 guest list. More than 40 attended the groundbreaking event.
Supporters said Mrs. Lohman not only contributed to Foothill’s lively arts and community enrichment programs, but her infectious enthusiasm made her the perfect Foothill ambassador. She routinely assembled friends for outings to Foothill or De Anza or invited them to college events in her home.
The theater will incorporate historic artifacts and photographs. The Lohman family sold their large ranch to Foothill for construction of the campus in 1961.
With easy access to parking, the Lohman Theater will have 170 permanent seats, with portable seating to accommodate 202.
Designed as a studio theater with actors playing close to the audience, it can be reconfigured to proscenium style as needed. Amenities will include a large lobby, concessions area, and box office.
Outside, a large plaza and garden will provide an inviting location for theatergoers and students to meet and chat.
Mrs. Lohman explained why she supported Foothill and De Anza colleges so faithfully over the years during a 2000 interview.
“As a young woman, I learned the value of a hand-up when I was a Stanford student nurse making house calls in San Francisco. I still remember the generosity of the families I visited who didn’t have much, but would still share a little snack with me in appreciation for my help,” she said. “You know, equal access to quality education is the only way to conquer the poverty I witnessed back then. Unfortunately, that poverty still exists. The land under Foothill College will always be home to me. I’m so grateful that our ranch has been transformed into this amazing institution offering educational opportunity to all. And, I’m really glad I’m able to support these deserving students myself.”
Hylton is associate director of the Foothill-De Anza Community Colleges Foundation.
