GORHAM – The new president of the University of Southern Maine is looking at a possible renewed effort to build an auditorium on the Gorham campus.

Theodora Kalikow told Gorham officials and business people Tuesday at a Gorham Business Exchange luncheon meeting about the need for a 500-seat facility on campus.

At the luncheon, hosted on campus, Kalikow also solicited input from the local leaders that would enhance the university’s involvement in the community.

“We need to entice people not to schlep into Portland,” Kalikow said.

Robert Caswell, university spokesman, on Wednesday described Kalikow’s proposal as a multi-purpose facility on the Gorham campus to serve needs of the music, fine and performing arts programs, as well as lectures.

Her idea to build a new facility follows two previous efforts that did not materialize in the past decade for a university auditorium.

Phil Gagnon, chairman Gorham Town Council, said late Tuesday afternoon her idea would be a “very exciting addition” to the university.

“The prospect and possibilities of how it would be used can only benefit USM and Gorham,” Gagnon said.

Caswell said the proposed facility would make the university’s Gorham campus more vibrant. Caswell said more internal discussions are needed about the project and its fiscal viability.

“It’s a serious plan we’re in the process of finalizing,” Caswell said.

At the luncheon, Kalikow pointed to the need for more space at the Gorham campus as she is stepping up the focus on serving students. The aging Russell Hall, which has a small auditorium with less than 150 seats, houses the university’s Theater Department. Caswell said Corthell Concert Hall has 180 seats.

Caswell said location of a new facility on campus and cost had yet to be nailed down. But in the luncheon, Kalikow asked, “Does anyone know someone with about $5 million.”

Kalikow’s proposed facility met with enthusiastic support from Tom Ellsworth, Gorham Economic Development director, who attended the luncheon.

“An auditorium is a great idea and I feel would produce significant spin-off effect for businesses in the village, particularly restaurants,” Ellsworth said following the luncheon.

“An auditorium of that size could very easily hold concerts and speakers that Gorham residents could attend and enjoy, as well as give a boost to our local businesses,” Gagnon said.

And Kalikow wants an auditorium sooner than later. “If we build anything, it needs to be fast,” she said

Following the luncheon meeting, Kalikow later on in the day was scheduled to discuss the auditorium proposal as one topic in a brainstorming session with her team of university deans and administrators concerning the next 10 years at the university. The talks were to include a location on campus and developing a capital campaign for the project.

A similar auditorium proposal two years ago for a regional center for fine and performing arts would have been built with private fundraising. Selma Botman, the former university president , mentioned the proposal in a 2010 meeting with Gorham officials.

A proposal studied at that time identified the Gorham campus as a potential site for a regional arts center, but apparently didn’t proceed past a feasibility study. After Botman’s departure, Kalikow took over in July 2012.

In 2001, university officials studied building a 900-seat concert hall, but a proposed collaborative effort then with Maine State Music Theater didn’t materialize.

The university has a significant presence in the town. Campus dormitories house 1,100 students and more live in off-campus apartments. The university has 511 employees working on its Gorham campus, and Kalikow said, 850 alumni live in Gorham.

“USM has been very generous to our community,” said Gagnon. “It is host to everything from high school hockey games at its ice arena to the Gorham Business Exchange’s annual Marketplace held at its field house.”

In Tuesday’s luncheon, Kalikow outlined her goals for the university in the 21st century that included helping students succeed and keeping the university in business.

“We’re going to try new things,” Kalikow said.

Theodora Kalikow, president of University of Southern Maine, tells Gorham leaders on Tuesday about a proposal for an auditorium on the Gorham campus. Staff photo by Robert Lowell