Angelo State Unveils Renovated Murphey Auditorium Following Major Philanthropic Gift

SAN ANGELO, TX - Angelo State University hosted a dedication and reopening ceremony today (May 12) for its newly renovated Elta Joyce Murphey Auditorium inside the Mayer Administration Building at 2601 W. Ave. N.

The restoration project was funded in part by noted local philanthropist and arts enthusiast Elta Joyce McAfee, and the auditorium is commemorated under her maiden name of Murphey to honor her contribution and her family.

The renovations include upgrades to virtually every aspect of the 11,681-square-foot facility, including:

• Front Entrance - New steps, handrails, lighting, signage and landscaping
• Lobby - New secure box office with ticket window, new lounge area, expanded restrooms, large TV monitor for live feed from the stage
• Seating - New two-tier configuration for ADA compliance, 334 custom seats, eight wheelchair spaces, new step lighting and handrails
• Stage - New curtains and drapery, new acoustical clouds and shells, rebuilt piano storage platform, refurbished orchestra pit with new lighting and furniture
• Lighting - 75 new LED lights, new spotlights, new ETC ION XE light board
• Electronics - New integrated Ace Audio sound board, new Clear-Com wireless communication system, new data rack with touchscreen controls for lighting, audio and projection systems, assisted-listening devices for the hearing-impaired
• Basement - New men's and women's dressing rooms, refurbished storage areas, upgraded plumbing system

"Thanks to the generosity of Mrs. McAfee and the hard work of so many others, Angelo State once again has an attractive and modern auditorium to host concerts, theatre productions, distinguished guest speakers and many other noteworthy events for the campus and the community," said ASU President Ronnie D. Hawkins. "Our music and theatre students and faculty will definitely benefit from being able to perform in such a grand space, and the community will get a warm welcome in the new lobby before enjoying events in a venue that rivals any in the region. We can't wait to start hosting events in the Elta Joyce Murphey Auditorium."

The renovated auditorium is also another example of why securing funding to support new and enhanced campus facilities is one of the top priorities of ASU's ongoing "Leading the Charge" capital campaign.

"It has always been important to me to support Angelo State," McAfee said. "I have always loved the arts, and I'm just so pleased that I was able to contribute to this project. It was such a meaningful opportunity to make an impact, not just on campus and the students, but on a facility that hosts many of the wonderful Arts at ASU events. This beautiful auditorium will mean so much to the students and the audiences who come watch them perform."

McAfee's relationship with Angelo State dates back to 1980 when she joined the ASU President's Circle. Over the years, she has also made significant contributions to the ASU Friends of Art and Music Education, Friends of the Library and Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health. Most recently, she contributed $500,000 to help establish the new Angelo State Athletics Endowment.

More details on the Leading the Charge capital campaign and ways to contribute are available online at angelo.edu/leading-the-charge or by calling the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 325-942-2116.