In 1971, Gunda Hiebert relocated to Lawrence, Kansas and married the love of her life, Dave Hiebert, in 1978. They happily lived in their Alvamar home for nearly twenty years, but ultimately thought there was something missing. One day in 1996, Dave and Gunda hosted an in-home classical music concert and decided their Alvamar home would no longer work. In 1996 they purchased their now iconic house on University Dr., otherwise known as Hiebert Hall. Before Dave’s passing in 2021, they had hosted over 1,000 in-home concerts. Even though the exact count in unknown, as of today, Hiebert Hall has hosted over 1,100 recitals from performers all around the world, and has even presented a one act murder play. Gunda received a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Literature from Oberlin College, and received two Master’s degrees - one from Yale University (Art of Teaching), and another from the University of Virgina (Master of Art). For a time, Gunda was also proudly the church organist of the Unitarian Church in Charlottesville, VA.  Gunda’s previous board experience is vast, having served for the Hilltop Daycare Center, the “Seems to be Players” of the Lawrence Arts Center, the Spencer Museum of Art, the Hall Center for the Humanities, and the Lied Center. In addition, she has also served on the board of directors for the Women Philanthropists for Kansas University (WP4KU), and is now serving on the board of directors for the Mid-America Performing Arts Alliance (MAPAA).

When asked why her and Dave chose to support the performing arts, specifically music, she said, “There are plenty of people who fund scientific things. What is it that can take you to a different dimension, or bring comfort, or help a troubled soul?  Music.  Music is the key!” As philanthropists, Gunda and Dave have sponsored musicians from all around the globe. They have passionately supported the International Van Cliburn Piano Competition Winners, countless artists thought the KU Lied Center, the KU School of Music, and most recently the MAPAA Youth String Competition. When asked what she loves the most about MAPAA, she stated, “The unique opportunities the organization presents to underserved children. There is nothing more heartbreaking than to see a talented student denied the opportunity to purse their musical passion because they cannot afford it. This is the most unique part of MAPAA that no one else in the region is doing.”