Amphitheatre Groundbreaking, Naming, and Challenge

The University of Mary Washington recognized two long-time donors June 4, 2016, at a groundbreaking ceremony for the century-old amphitheatre on the Fredericksburg campus. The outdoor facility, slated for renovation, has been renamed the Heslep Amphitheatre, in honor of 1956 alumna Josephine McPherson Heslep and her husband, Donald, of Richmond.

The Hesleps, who attended the ceremony with their family, have generously supported University initiatives, including a significant endowment for the UMW Philharmonic.  The couple’s latest gift of $1.25 million helped push contributions toward the $3 million fundraising goal.

UMW recently received a challenge gift from the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation. If UMW secures NEW gifts totaling $125,000 for the amphitheatre, the Foundation will match with its own contribution of $125,000.

Gifts to the amphitheatre challenge may be made at umw.edu/onlinegiving.