Ah, Dillingham.

Where every nook and cranny is used to rehearse, study, sleep, eat, and create. Where talent is nurtured and confidence gained. And where impossible dreams become possible.

But by 2009, after 40 years of constant use, Dillingham had seen better days.

Built for a theater program with 70 students, the building no longer met the needs of the 300 students who study and create there today. But rather than replace our beloved Dilly, Ithaca College decided to renovate it to make it better than ever.

Some highlights of the $10 million, 18-month renovation:

•  Two new acting studios
•  Expanded and better-equipped design and sound studios
•  Updated dressing rooms
•  A new costume shop
•  A completely refurbished lobby with two elevators

See the full list of what's been added, changed, and improved.

The renovation was funded by New York State ($2.3 million, through the Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program), by Ithaca College ($7.2 million), and, most meaningfully, by alumni, parents, and friends ($837,002), who wanted Dillingham's facilities to match the remarkable caliber of IC's theater programs.

Thanks to the generous support of many, the renovation is now complete. "Dillingham: The Revival" has opened, and the reviews are sensational.