GCU Grad Helps Drive $58 Million Fundraising Surge At Trump-Led Kennedy Center
By Matthew Holloway |
Fresh off his 2025 graduation from Grand Canyon University, Caleb Foss is now helping senior leadership at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., where his team has brought in $58 million in secured funds over the last 30 days.
Foss serves as executive assistant to Lisa Dale, the center’s Senior Vice President and Head of Development. He graduated summa cum laude from GCU this year with a bachelor’s degree in government, with an emphasis on public administration, according to GCU News. During his time at the Phoenix-based university, Foss participated in the Canyon Civic Institute, a student organization focused on preparing members for careers in civic engagement and public service.
GCU News revealed that Foss traces his path to the Kennedy Center back to high school, when he first got involved in political media. At GCU, that interest turned into hands-on work as a finance assistant and fundraising consultant for Kari Lake’s U.S. Senate campaign.
In his senior year, he joined the university’s Canyon Civic Institute, and a CCI trip to Washington, D.C., opened the door to job interviews and networking that ultimately led to his current role. At the Kennedy Center, Foss supports operations, scheduling, and fundraising efforts under the leadership of Kennedy Center Chairman President Donald Trump, Kennedy Center President and Ambassador Richard Grenell, and the board of trustees.
In June, he helped raise more than $10 million at the red-carpet premiere of “Les Misérables,” an event attended by the president, vice president, and Cabinet members. Foss also attended a Stuttgart Ballet performance in October alongside Dale and Lake, now acting CEO for the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
“It’s truly an honor. Especially with the President of the United States being chairman of the center, it’s a great privilege to be involved and help make the Kennedy Center better than ever.”
Foss attributes his drive to public service to his faith. “My true passion for going into that originally stems from my faith, my passion to serve and to lead in different areas, especially within government,” he stated. “My Christian foundation in life has been essential for pointing me in the direction where I believe I can make a difference.”
In reflecting on the recent fundraising success, Foss noted, “In the past 30 days, we brought $58 million in secured funds for the Kennedy Center.” He explained, “It’s a big operation, and it’s really exciting to be a part of it. With the leadership of Chairman President (Donald) Trump, Kennedy Center President and Ambassador Richard Grenell, Lisa Dale, the board of trustees, and our entire leadership team, the Kennedy Center has accomplished so much in this past year, and we have many great things in store for the future.”
Foss described the “Les Misérables” event as pivotal: “The president and the vice president were there, along with many members of the Cabinet. We brought in a lot of new donors for the Kennedy Center and raised over $10 million that one night. It was an incredible experience.”
Offering advice to current GCU students pursuing similar paths, Foss said, “Communication and connection are essential. But most importantly, stick to your morals, values, and faith, especially. No matter what the goal is at that moment, stay true to what you believe in.”
He emphasized starting locally: “The best place you can get involved is in your local community first. Whether that’s in your church, your neighborhood, or something like the Canyon Civic Institute or other clubs or organizations at GCU, from there, the opportunities are endless.”
The Kennedy Center is a national cultural hub undergoing major renovation under President Trump, who provided $257 million in funding, and continues to host live performances and national events such as the Memorial Service for Charlie Kirk, amid these improvement efforts.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
