Anita F. Boorda

Anita F. Boorda (August 8, 1921 - April 3, 2014) was a notable American community builder in South Bend, Indiana. She was known for her position as the Executive Director and member on the board of directors for the Broadway Theatre League for nearly 36 years.
Boorda joined the board in 1965. She quickly moved up in the organization. Even into a new position in 1982 as Executive Secretary before being appointed Executive Director. In the Executive Director role, Boorda performed a wide range of responsibilities including marketing, contracting for shows, negotiating with unions and maintaining contacts with touring and production companies in New York. Boorda's hard work set up South Bend as a regular stop for New York theatre companies and attracted audiences from nearby states.
Boorda was also known for her involvement in the restoration of the Morris Performing Arts Center. The Broadway Theatre League voted a $250,000 contribution toward the restoration and she served on the restoration building committee. Boorda retired in 2001.<ref name="South Bend Tribune"/>
Other involvement in the South Bend community included Boorda's service as a charter member of the Morris Entertainment Board.<ref name="South Bend Tribune"/> She was appointed to this board by Mayor Joe E. Kernan. Boorda was also apart of planning activities for the nation's 200th birthday when she was appointed to the Mayor's Bicentennial Committee. Other committees Boorda served on include the Bicentennial Dinner at , the College's Community Relations Committee, and committees at Indiana University South Bend (IUSB).<ref name="South Bend Tribune"/>
Boorda received many awards for her community service including induction into the South Bend Hall of Fame as a "Sagamore of the Wabash" and she received the Mayor's Award.<ref name="South Bend Tribune"/>

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