Newly-renovated Lovett Auditorium, Trustees Hall celebrated as part of Murray State University’s Centennial Homecoming

Honorary Doctorate awarded to distinguished alumnus Jerry T. Shroat

 

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University administration, campus community, alumni and supporters of the institution celebrated a ribbon cutting and re-opening of the newly-renovated Lovett Auditorium and Trustees Hall, as part of Murray State’s special centennial-themed Homecoming on Friday, Oct. 28. 

One of the most iconic buildings on campus, Lovett Auditorium’s legacy began in 1926 after the University’s Board of Regents approved the contract for the Auditorium. The total cost of the building was $145,462 and it was completed in 1928. At the time of construction, Lovett Auditorium was the largest college auditorium in Kentucky, with a stage large enough to host Murray State basketball games. 

The Auditorium is well known as a renowned performing arts center for the campus, community and region. Many Murray State students utilize Lovett Auditorium as part of their college experience, including musical and theatre performances, lectures and special events.

Capital improvements, dating back to 2020, were some of the most significant renovations to the Auditorium since its initial construction and completion. The original seating was removed to refinish the hardwood floors and new carpet was installed. Additional improvements included a new HVAC system and interior painting. The new seats as part of the renovation project are larger and configured differently. Many of the cast-iron “M” emblems mounted on the original seats have been salvaged, refurbished and mounted onto the new seats.

In 2021, Murray State, in collaboration with the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, launched the “Show Us How You Lovett” fundraising campaign to benefit the Auditorium. The campaign was the culmination of over a decade of private support from donors and friends of the University, as well as investments Murray State has made toward Lovett Auditorium. 

As part of the campaign, donors have a distinctive, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their name placed on one of the new seats. A gift to the newly-established fund for Lovett Auditorium includes a commemorative nameplate to be installed on the new seats. The seats and location can be chosen by the donor in one of five available sections located on the main floor of the Auditorium. Seats are named on a first-come, first-served basis through an online campaign platform. For more information and to participate in the “Show Us How You Lovett” campaign, visit murraystate.edu/lovett.

As of Homecoming Weekend, more than $131,000 has been raised through the “Show Us How You Lovett” campaign.

On June 4, 2021, upon the recommendation of Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson, the University’s Board of Regents approved a $12.3 million bond project to help fund several asset preservation projects on campus, including Lovett Auditorium. The Board also voted to accept a gift of $500,000 from the Murray State University Foundation, Inc. for the funding of the new seating; thus naming the main hall, Trustees Hall, in honor of the current Murray State Foundation Board of Trustees. As part of the re-opening event, a special plaque was unveiled to commemorate Trustees Hall. 

“Lovett Auditorium is vitally important to Murray State University, our community and our region,” Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson said. “Through the support of many individuals, this beautiful building will continue to be used and treasured by future generations.”

Also as part of the event, an Honorary Doctorate was awarded to Murray State alumnus and chairman of the Murray State University Foundation Board of Trustees, Jerry T. Shroat. 

Shroat, a 1994 recipient of the Murray State University Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award, has been very involved with Murray State. He has served on the Murray State University Foundation, Inc., Board of Trustees since 1991, and has been chairman of the audit committee, the finance committee and a member of the development committee. Shroat has served as chairman of the Board of Trustees since 2013.

Jerry and his wife Betsy, also a Murray State graduate, have two grown children and two grandchildren.

“We are very grateful and appreciative of Mr. Jerry Shroat and his wife, Betsy, for their continuous and generous support of Murray State University,” Jackson said. “Jerry has had a distinguished career and has impacted many. We are pleased to recognize him with this Honorary Doctorate.” 

Following the events, a reception was held in the Charles and Marlene Johnson Lobby of Lovett Auditorium. The lobby is named after University alumni and longtime supporters Charles and Marlene Johnson.