For a significant part of his adult life, James Panowski was the Forest Roberts Theatre, serving as facility director for many years. Now, in death, Panowski, known to many as Dr. P, will continue to support the institution he loved and dedicated so much of his life to.

Panowski, who died in May 2018, designated a bequest of more than $1 million to the Mildred and Albert Panowski Playwriting Award and the James A. Panowski Theatre Scholarship at NMU.

“This gift expands Dr. Panowski’s commitment to Northern’s Forest Roberts Theatre and the theater program he so loved,” NMU President Fritz Erickson said in a press release. “The scholarship directly helps theater students complete their degrees and achieve their career goals. The support for the playwriting award continues to distinguish Forest Roberts Theatre as a place where inspiring, thought-provoking, entertaining new plays debut. We are grateful for this generous gift that continues the theater’s strong tradition of providing first-rate performances for the residents of the Upper Peninsula and those who visit the area.”

According to the press release, to celebrate his 2009 retirement, family and friends established the James A. Panowski Theatre Scholarship to provide support for undergraduate and graduate students who major or minor in theater. Panowski contributed significantly to this scholarship after his retirement.

NMU, meanwhile, established a playwriting award in 1977.

Like the individual who made it, this gift is nothing less than remarkable. We are confident the program and students will greatly benefit.