Monmouth College receives gift to build Trubeck Amphitheater to enhance outdoor life on campus
Monmouth, Ill. (07/24/2020) — Monmouth College students will soon have a new space for outdoor classes, fine arts performances and other campus events.
Construction will begin later this summer on the Trubeck Amphitheater, which will be located behind the College's Center for Science and Business.
The Trubeck Amphitheater will expand the Trubeck Fountain Plaza, which is also behind the Center for Science and Business. The amphitheater will include a five-tier terrace wall, a new fountain and a remodeled plaza. The plaza will feature new landscaping, LED seat and stair lighting, and audiovisual and sound system capabilities. A bronze rendering of the College seal, measuring four feet in diameter, will be installed where the current fountain is located.
Monmouth College President Clarence R. Wyatt said the entire project is being paid for by a gift from William Trubeck, a 1968 Monmouth graduate and former vice chair of the Monmouth College Board of Trustees. The Trubeck Amphitheater is a tribute to his late wife, Judy, who was a 1969 Monmouth graduate.
"This is such an incredible gift from Bill to the entire Monmouth community," said Monmouth First Lady Lobie Stone, who created the original concept and design of the project. "Since Clarence and I arrived on campus in the summer of 2014, I've had a vision to connect the Trubeck Fountain to an amphitheater nestled between the two existing staircases leading up from behind the Center for Science and Business. It will become a wonderful outdoor classroom and gathering place for our students, thanks to Bill's generosity.
"When Clarence and I first approached Bill with this idea, he immediately saw how the expansion of the fountain plaza to an amphitheater could not only honor Judy but in addition could transform this entire side of the Monmouth campus."
Stone said the Trubeck Amphitheater, which will be finished in the fall, will strengthen community on campus as well as serve the College's academic needs. In addition to serving as a place for teaching and learning, Stone said she envisions the Trubeck Amphitheater to host theatrical and musical productions, various student activities, outdoor movies and other community events.
"It was such a joy for us to help Bill realize his wish to honor Judy and serve the students of his alma mater," said Wyatt. "When it is finished, the Trubeck Amphitheater will be a stunning addition to our campus and a great resource for our students. Bill has been a full partner in this project. I also want to thank Director of Facilities Management Sarah Young for her work in developing detailed specifications and plans for this project."
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