Michael J. (Mike) and Mary Anne Freeman did not expect a campus theatre production to become a defining thread in their lives. On Jan. 29, 1984, they attended the Samford theatre production of Aristophanes’ The Birds on their very first date, a memory they still celebrate 42 years later, but life moved on. For nearly two decades afterward, they never imagined they would return to those seats, much less become two of the School of the Arts’ most devoted champions. 

Their reconnection to Samford came later, encouraged in early 2009 by a friend, Neil Davis of Davis Architects, who urged them to attend performances of Samford’s new School of the Arts. They went, mostly out of curiosity. They kept going because of the students. 

The School of the Arts dedicated the Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Hospitality Suite on Feb. 24, 2026. It’s a space shaped by that long, winding journey of two people rediscovering the arts at Samford. 

“Moments like this allow us to witness something profound,” said Lance Beaumont, dean of the School of the Arts. “We are seeing the intersection of two of the university’s highest callings: educating students and cultivating generosity.” 

In May 2010, the Freemans sponsored the production of Thoroughly Modern Millie in honor of Jesse Bates, then chair of Theatre Arts at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, on the 40th anniversary of his graduation from Samford. Afterward, former dean, Joe Hopkins, invited them to consider supporting a theatre and dance series, something they initially declined. 

“We wondered if Samford was the right place, and honestly, it felt like more than we were ready to undertake,” Mike Freeman shared at the dedication.  

But a student changed everything. 

Later that summer, at a performance of Little Shop of Horrors, the Freemans introduced themselves to senior theatre student Cody Hays as the sponsors of Thoroughly Modern Millie, in which he had performed the month before. Hays thanked them for supporting the production and then spoke directly and earnestly about how much the program needed sustained help. “Don’t just sponsor,” he told them. “Continuously try to do more.”  

Something shifted in the Freemans’ thinking. Hays’ sincerity and his obvious passion for sponsorship and support of the arts at Samford stayed with them and sparked a lasting commitment. 

“Through his persistence and passion, he personally convinced Mike and Mary Anne to support the series,” Beaumont said. “We want to recognize Cody for his initiative, his belief in this school and his role in helping make this legacy possible.”

Mary Anne Freeman added, “Mike and I will never forget Cody’s dedicated and singlehanded efforts to convince us to open our hearts and commit to providing long term support to the School of the Arts and we’re grateful that Samford has since recognized Cody for his actions on behalf of Samford.” 

The Freemans sponsor numerous theatre and dance performances annually, as well as the Art & Design Juried Student Exhibition. They have purchased student artwork and formed relationships with young artists whose work they believed in. Their philanthropy is grounded in people, not programs. For years, the Freemans have hosted Saturday evening post-show receptions honoring the cast, crew and creatives.Those evenings became formative moments for students.  

“Mike wanted students to learn how to engage with their audience—to develop the ability to speak, connect and build relationships,” Beaumont said.  

Those receptions laid the foundation for the vision behind the new hospitality suite. The space was designed by architecture and interior design students whose concepts transformed a former lounge into a polished, flexible venue. Under the guidance of faculty, the students presented their proposals directly to the Freemans. Tonya Miller, director of Interior Design, said the experience stretched students in ways classroom assignments simply can’t.  

“It’s incredibly valuable for design students to be able to interact with real clients while in school,” she said. “They had to develop a functional and aesthetically pleasing design, as well as clearly communicate their design ideas to the Freemans. They were also able to see some of the real-life hurdles designers face—budget constraints, construction timelines, product availability changes—things they don’t get to see in a hypothetical classroom project.” 

Miller said the Freemans’ priorities were clear from the beginning, and their focus on students shaped the look and feel of the finished suite.  

“It was very evident that the Freemans wanted the space to celebrate students and their work, so that greatly influenced the final design,” she said. “The suite showcases a range of student talent across the School of the Arts — interior design projects, playful font installations by graphic design majors and paintings, drawings and sculpture by studio art majors. The result feels like a true reflection of the students’ creativity and energy.” 

Interior design senior Kennedy Teal said the opportunity felt both exciting and surreal.  

“Most of our projects stay on paper or on the screen, so knowing this one would become a real place people experience made it feel especially meaningful,” she said. “It also added a sense of responsibility, knowing it would represent Samford and be seen by the Freeman family.” 

She hopes the finished suite communicates exactly what the students intended.  

“I hope people immediately feel welcomed and comfortable when they walk in,” she said. “The goal was to create a space that feels warm, inviting and reflective of Samford’s culture of hospitality.” 

The Freemans see this suite as a “longer table,” borrowing wisdom from an inscription on a monument at the Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace: “If you truly feel more blessed than others, build a longer table, not a higher fence.”  

For them, Samford’s School of the Arts became that table. 

“Mary Anne and I truly consider ourselves blessed. Samford and its people have become our family and our people,” he said.  

The Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Hospitality Suite stands as a testament to what can happen when generosity meets artistry, and when a single student’s courageous ask echoes far beyond its moment. 

GIVE: Join the Freemans to support arts education at Samford.