International Service While Preserving USU History
It is a Utah State University landmark that is often overlooked. The amphitheater on Old Main Hill has become dilapidated and underutilized. Students from a Management and Human Resources class hope to change this.
The amphitheater was reconstructed by the MHR 3110 class in October 2008 so it could be used for a benefit concert where all proceeds went to aid people in Peru, said Nicole Brown, a junior majoring in public relations and a member of the class.
The proceeds went to the Huntsman School of Business-sponsored Micro/Small Business-Loan account program. The micro-loan program provides small loans of $50 to $100 to individuals and small businesses in Peru while educating them on how to run a business, said David Herrmann, senior lecturer in the Management and Human Resources Department.
“The recipients of the loans are able to start small businesses to increase their income levels,” he added. “We believe this project will make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
The Renovation:
Unfortunately, the amphitheater has become worn down over its 70-year lifespan and was recently deemed unsafe said Stanley Kane, director of campus maintenance operations and USU architect. He said it would cost at least a half a million to get it into tip-top shape.
Because of the lack of funding to renovate the amphitheater, Facilities made a few repairs to get the amphitheater up to code. The concrete wall was removed and replaced with a guard railing to make it safer.
The MHR class took it from there. The students revitalized the historic site for the concert, which featured guitarist Katie Lewis, Grafted and other artists.
The class spent two hours sanding benches, sweeping walkways and painting benches to prepare the amphitheater for its debut.
“We wanted the amphitheater to look good for the concert,” Brown said. “It’s a beautiful spot, and we wanted people to be aware of its existence.”
Brown is not the only one to deem the amphitheater a beautiful spot on campus. USU Facilities documented the amphitheater as being perceived as “one of the most attractive sites in America with its overlook of Cache Valley” when it was first built.
The amphitheater’s long-lasting history stems back to 1924. According to USU Facilities’ documents, many class gifts were taken to pay for the materials and construction of the amphitheater. The construction was done by students employed through the Federal Emergency Relief Administration and took a few years to complete.
After its completion, the amphitheater was put to good use, Brown said.
“It has been used over the years for commencement exercises, summer classes, music festivals and a major summer theater program,” she said.
The MHR 3110 class has been able to preserve a piece of USU history while helping people across the globe.
“Our project not only benefits USU, but Peru benefits at the same time,” she said. “I hope it will make a big impact on many people here in Logan and in Peru.”
Writer: Chelsie Hansen
October 2008
The amphitheater was reconstructed by the MHR 3110 class in October 2008 so it could be used for a benefit concert where all proceeds went to aid people in Peru, said Nicole Brown, a junior majoring in public relations and a member of the class.
The proceeds went to the Huntsman School of Business-sponsored Micro/Small Business-Loan account program. The micro-loan program provides small loans of $50 to $100 to individuals and small businesses in Peru while educating them on how to run a business, said David Herrmann, senior lecturer in the Management and Human Resources Department.
“The recipients of the loans are able to start small businesses to increase their income levels,” he added. “We believe this project will make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
The Renovation:
Unfortunately, the amphitheater has become worn down over its 70-year lifespan and was recently deemed unsafe said Stanley Kane, director of campus maintenance operations and USU architect. He said it would cost at least a half a million to get it into tip-top shape.
Because of the lack of funding to renovate the amphitheater, Facilities made a few repairs to get the amphitheater up to code. The concrete wall was removed and replaced with a guard railing to make it safer.
The MHR class took it from there. The students revitalized the historic site for the concert, which featured guitarist Katie Lewis, Grafted and other artists.
The class spent two hours sanding benches, sweeping walkways and painting benches to prepare the amphitheater for its debut.
“We wanted the amphitheater to look good for the concert,” Brown said. “It’s a beautiful spot, and we wanted people to be aware of its existence.”
Brown is not the only one to deem the amphitheater a beautiful spot on campus. USU Facilities documented the amphitheater as being perceived as “one of the most attractive sites in America with its overlook of Cache Valley” when it was first built.
The amphitheater’s long-lasting history stems back to 1924. According to USU Facilities’ documents, many class gifts were taken to pay for the materials and construction of the amphitheater. The construction was done by students employed through the Federal Emergency Relief Administration and took a few years to complete.
After its completion, the amphitheater was put to good use, Brown said.
“It has been used over the years for commencement exercises, summer classes, music festivals and a major summer theater program,” she said.
The MHR 3110 class has been able to preserve a piece of USU history while helping people across the globe.
“Our project not only benefits USU, but Peru benefits at the same time,” she said. “I hope it will make a big impact on many people here in Logan and in Peru.”
Writer: Chelsie Hansen
October 2008
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Students in a management and human resources class revitalized USU's historic amphitheater for a benefit concert where proceeds went to the Huntsman School of Business Micro Loan program to finance new businesses in Peru.
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