Long before the curtain went up in April 1984 for the inaugural performance at the Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, many individuals had dedicated countless hours and significant personal resources to make this magnificent performance hall a reality. Since that gala event, numerous others have given of their time, talents and resources to enhance the performing arts, not only in the Morrison Center but throughout Boise, the Treasure Valley and the State of Idaho.

In recognition of these special individual and organizational contributions to the Morrison Center and to the performing arts, the Board of Governors of the Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts has established these three distinctive means of acknowledgement and appreciation.

I. FOUNDERS HALL OF FAME

The civic leaders whose names are listed below are recognized for their unselfish devotion through the nineteen-seventies and into the early nineteen-eighties. Their dreams, dedication and toil culminated in the construction of this premier performance facility, where audiences numbering in the hundreds of thousands have enjoyed a wide variety of notable performances. In some instances, their efforts date back to personal friendships with Harry and Velma Morrison, when a world-class performance facility for Boise and the Treasure Valley was just a dream. Several individuals went on to serve the Center in official capacities in the years following its grand opening.

II. MORRISON CENTER GOLD MEDALLION AWARD

This award is presented to those individuals who, over the course of their lifetimes, have made significant and lasting contributions to one or more of the performing arts. On September 22, 2005, the first Gold Medallion was presented jointly to  J. R. & Esther Simplot  in recognition of their teamwork in elevating the quality of arts presentations locally and throughout the State in ways seen and unseen. The Simplots, by their dedication to the arts over many years, have set an exemplary standard for the Morrison Center Gold Medallion Award.

III. MORRISON CENTER HONORS MEDALLION AWARD

The Honors Medallion Award, established in 2003, recognizes individuals or organizations who have made a significant and memorable contribution to the cultural richness of the performing arts. An honor roll of recipients is displayed below:

Dr. Charles Ruch Frank Heise Richard Thomas

Del Parkinson Ralph Comstock James Ogle

Ernie Lombard Toni Pimble Morrison Center Auxiliary