For the record: The Daily Titan reported that the Front & Center concert will be held Feb. 5. It will be held Feb. 25. Also, the event is Front & Center, not Front and Center. [Updated 1/31/12 at 5:38 p.m.]

Cal State Fullerton’s annual Front & Center concert will be held Feb. 25 this year, featuring the classic rock powerhouse Heart. Along with the duo, there will be a special presentation of the Orange County Titan Award to former CSUF President Milton Gordon.

The Front & Center program has been around since 1996, and this 17th iteration of the yearly celebration will maintain the same level of pageantry and glamor it’s possessed in years passed. For more than a decade, the program has been a beacon of support for the university. A large part of the draw to benefactors has been the major acts which grace the Honda Center’s stage.

Attendees have been serenaded by the Steve Miller Band, Earth Wind and Fire, the Doobie Brothers and even Stevie Nicks. The classic rock bands and famous singers are paired with well-known masters of ceremonies like Bill Cosby, Tony Bennett and Whoopi Goldberg. This year’s MC will be Dashaun Young of Broadway fame.

“This is Cal State Fullerton’s signature community outreach event,” said Ryan Smith, associate director of Marketing and Communications, Major Events.

The proceeds of the concerts go toward student funds and scholarships. With a relatively large turnout each year, it is also the best fundraiser CSUF has. While ticket sales provide funds for the school, direct donations from attendees are also a huge boon to the university and its programs.

The Department of Theatre and Dance and the College of the Arts also showcase their students, as they provide the opening act to the Front & Center extravaganza. Jim Taulli, associate dean of the College of the Arts, said the program gives students “an opportunity to perform in a world-class venue.”

Taulli said the schedule for Front & Center is very intense so the students learn to work fast and professionally while being held to a high standard.

Many of the students are ecstatic at the opportunity to perform in the concert, while others in the program are excited to work behind the scenes. Kristin Betancourt, 23, a theatre design and technical production major, said she couldn’t wait for February.

“I had a blast working the event last year and that is why I’m coming back for another round. I’m on the costume crew again this year and I know everyone else on the crew is really excited and looking forward to the event,” said Betancourt.

She said while on-site they get to work with professionals in the industry she is hoping to be involved with, and the Front & Center program gives her experience she can’t get in any other university setting.

Tickets are already on sale for the event and the buzz has spread to local radio stations and beyond. For more information about Front & Center, visit the official website here.