Parkland College in Champaign has announced the naming its campus theatre after east-central Illinois residents Harold and Jean Miner of rural Watseka.

Miner Charitable Foundation President Mike Miner recently provided a generous gift honoring his parents to support the Parkland College Theatre.  Parkland College Foundation Interim Executive Director Ellen Schmidt announced the Miner Charitable Foundation was established by Harold and Jean Miner, lifelong farmers in Iroquois County.

Recognizing the gift, the college has renamed the existing theatre "The Harold & Jean Miner Theatre," also known as "The harold & Jean Miner Theatre at Parkland College."

The Miners were involved in agriculure, music, and their church.  Schmidt notes, motiviation for the gift also includes Jean Miner's passion for the arts.

Parkland College president Dr. Tom Ramage said "this is an exciting occasion for Parkland College." He said "we're grateful for the philanthropic spirit of the Miner Charitable Foundation, especially Mike Miner, who's honoring his mother and father."

The gift will have significant impact on the students and communities of Parkland College.

Official recognition of the newly named theatre is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 pm.  That's when the theatre will recognize Mike Miner and the Miner Charitable Foundation Board of Directors prior to its spring musical, The Drowsy Chaperone.                             {submitted by Parkland College}

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