Photograph of commencement exercises at McIntire Amphitheater, ca. 1930 University Archives (RG-2/1/2.472)

In addition to memorializing individuals, the University erected buildings that recognized milestones in its own history. Following a national trend for classically-themed amphitheaters, the McIntire Amphitheater was designed by Fiske Kimball in 1921 to host the pageants and speeches planned for the University’s centennial and as a place for students and townspeople to gather. Originally suggested by Manning in his 1913 master plan, the amphitheater was built in a natural depression on axis with Garrett Hall and Carr’s Hill with funds donated by alumnus and local philanthropist Paul Goodloe McIntire.