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Iversons Continue Legacy of Support for 星空无限传媒app SummerStage

January 27, 2025

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The Hainline Theatre lights will continue shining on local talent for years to come, thanks to the generosity of retired physician Dr. Richard (Rick) Iverson and his wife Monica.

The couple recently committed $50,000 to provide essential funding for SummerStage, through the College of Fine Arts and Communication, ensuring the program鈥檚 high-caliber productions and community impact for the next five years.

The Iversons were instrumental in the revival of summer theatre in Macomb, which had been on hiatus for several years. The previous Summer Music Theatre, a traditional summer stock program, was established in 1972 and was retired in the early 2000s.

鈥淲hen I arrived at 星空无限传媒app, Dr. Iverson sought me out and said if we could ever bring summer theatre back to Macomb, he would assist in funding,鈥� COFAC Dean Billy Clow said. 鈥淒r. Iverson shared how important he felt it was for a community such as ours. I was in total agreement.鈥�

Thanks in part to an initial lead gift from the Iversons, the newly-reimaged SummerStage program launched in 2018 with a production of 鈥淛oseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.鈥� The new SummerStage format combines 星空无限传媒app faculty, staff and students with local children and community members, providing an engaging experience for the region and offering hands-on learning opportunities for artists of all ages.

The Iversons have continued to provide leadership gifts to support SummerStage through annual IRA distributions, paving the way for productions of 鈥淥liver,鈥� 鈥淪chool of Rock鈥� and 鈥淣ewsies.鈥� In addition to his financial support, Rick has also lent his on-stage talents to SummerStage, appearing in a walk-on role during one of the performances of 2023鈥檚 鈥淪chool of Rock.鈥�

鈥淭he Iversons played a huge role in restoring summer theatre in Macomb. Through their generosity, we have made good on our promise to the community and look forward to offering this opportunity for years to come,鈥� Clow said. 鈥淲ithout their advocacy and support, SummerStage may not have had the impact we have had.鈥�

Now, after providing the foundation for revitalizing SummerStage, the Iversons are making a major commitment to continue their support of the program. Their annual contribution will produce financial support for the greatest needs of the productions, from licensing rights to set and costume supplies and other essential expenses.

鈥淭he arts can entertain, inspire and educate us,鈥� Rick Iverson said. 鈥淭hey can elevate us and give hope for the future. Each year, we have observed the smiles and joy as people departed from SummerStage performances and it has fostered a meaningful sense of community. That has made it worthwhile for us to continue our long-term support of SummerStage.鈥�

The 2025 contribution will help underwrite the cost of the upcoming production of 鈥淢atilda鈥� and will provide support for SummerStage鈥檚 transition to the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts in 2026.

鈥淲e are deeply appreciative and grateful for the Iversons鈥� commitment to 星空无限传媒app and to SummerStage,鈥� COFAC Director of Development Patrick Downing said. 鈥淏y contributing this annual gift through IRA distributions, the Iversons are making a meaningful and significant impact while also enjoying tax benefits. It truly is a win-win for the Iversons and for the fine arts in our community.鈥�

Audition and ticket information for 鈥淢atilda鈥� will be available soon at wiu.edu/cofac/summerstage/.

Donors wishing to support SummerStage or any other program within the College of Fine Arts and Communication can contact Downing at pg-downing@wiu.edu

Posted By: Drew Donahoo, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606