SIUE Meridian Society Hosts Sold-Out “Golden Age Celebration” and Opening Night of 'The Great Gatsby'

SIUE Meridian Society Hosts Sold-Out "Golden Age Celebration" and Opening Night of "The Great Gatsby"

With pearls gleaming, jazz humming and flappers dancing on the balcony, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Meridian Society ushered in a night to remember with A Golden Age Celebration and a sold-out opening of the play "The Great Gatsby," honoring 50 years of SIUE's Department of Theater and Dance.

The Dunham Hall Lobby and Theater shimmered Wednesday evening as guests enjoyed a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception, with opening remarks from Ethel Shanklin, EdD, President of the Meridian Society, and Provost Denise Cobb, PhD. Hosted by the Meridian Society, a women's philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing SIUE community-based projects, the event celebrated a golden milestone for the Department of Theater and Dance.

Shanklin, dazzling in gold, reflected on the organization's long-standing impact and welcomed guests.

"The Meridian Society has proudly supported 165 projects with more than $453,000 in awarded funds, helping bring innovative ideas to life," said Shanklin. "Our members make it possible for the campus community to turn their visions into reality. Their philanthropy helps shape and empower the next generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers."

SIU System President Dan Mahony, PhD, joined the celebration, noting the University's deep tradition of artistry and community partnership.

"Laura and I always look forward to attending SIU theater and arts performances," said Mahony. "We've been longtime supporters-going back to my time as a faculty member-and we try to make it to at least one production every year. Events like this highlight the incredible creativity across the SIU campuses and the vital role organizations like the Meridian Society play in supporting our students and communities."

Connie Collins, CFRE, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and CEO of the SIUE Foundation, emphasized the importance of the Meridian Society's community-forward approach.

"The Meridian Society's mission is rooted in amplifying SIUE's work through deep community-based engagement," said Collins. "By partnering with the Department of Theater and Dance and the Friends of Theater and Dance, we're able to invite residents, families and arts lovers into our space and enrich the cultural life of SIUE as a shared experience for the region."

The evening also recognized members of the Chancellor's Circle, SIUE's distinguished group of annual donors who contribute $2,500 or more in support of the University's bold initiatives and student-focused programs.

"The Chancellor's Circle members are truly the heartbeat of our giving community," said Cathy Taylor, Associate Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Executive Director of Alumni and Donor Relations. "Their generosity empowers SIUE to pursue bold initiatives, support innovative programs and create meaningful experiences for students. We were thrilled to celebrate their commitment during this special Golden Age evening."

The Department of Theater and Dance, led by Kristin Best-Kinscherff, associate professor and department chair, noted that the golden anniversary was special because it recognized the partnership between the two programs, even though they had existed independently before being joined.

"For 50 years, our students and faculty have poured their passion into bringing powerful stories to life on the stage," said Best-Kinscherff. "There's no better way to celebrate that legacy than with "The Great Gatsby," a timeless tale of ambition, longing and the pursuit of the American Dream. This production is our love letter to the artistry, creativity and community that define SIUE Theater and Dance."

Brimming with jazz-age energy under the direction of Charles Harper, the performances from students Zander Huggins, Ryan Matthew Whaley, Weston Mohler, Cole Delaney, Mia Williams, Lillie Self-Miller and Sophia Letterly drew a standing ovation from the sold-out audience and served as a fitting tribute to both the program's legacy and the Meridian Society's philanthropic spirit.

Julie Babington, senior director of Annual Giving, underscored the significance of the collaboration.

"This celebration gives us the perfect opportunity to share the incredible work our members make possible and inspire others to join us in creating lasting change," said Babington.

The evening's success not only celebrated SIUE's artistic excellence but also highlighted the transformative power of philanthropy- a legacy the Meridian Society continues to expand with every curtain call. As a roaring applause married with jazz, SIUE's Golden Age Celebration shimmered not in the past, but in the promise of what's still to come.

"The Great Gatsby" will perform Oct. 9, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. in the Dunham Hall Theater on the campus of SIUE. Tickets for these performances may be purchased online at the Box Office.

PHOTOS: 1- SIUE Theater and Dance Students, 2- President Dan Mahony, PhD, Laura Mahony, Provost Denise Cobb, PhD and Julie Babington, 3-Ethel Shanklin, EdD, (in gold) and Meridian Society members and guests, 4- SIUE Theater and Dance Students, 5- Guests Steve Porter and Cheryl Porter