Amphitheater to Be Restored

The University of Mary Washington amphitheater, a much-loved feature of the Fredericksburg campus, is preparing for its second act, thanks in large part to a $1 million challenge gift from Robert S. and Alice Andrews Jepson ’64. “I can’t wait to get back to see all the things that have happened since I was there and to take time to walk through the amphitheater,” Alice Jepson said. “When President Hurley told us that students still love the amphitheater, we decided our money would be well invested in helping to restore this area of campus that holds so many special memories for alumni and students alike.” Built of inexpensive materials in 1913 and more sturdily rebuilt in the 1920s, the amphitheater – in a grove of trees near Sunken Road – has been home to many Mary Washington traditions. The amphitheater hosted commencement ceremonies from the 1930s until 1958, Devil-Goat Day through the 1970s, May Day celebrations, and numerous concerts and theater productions. When the weather … [Read more...]