The 9,000-square-foot Stroud Auditorium is used by U-High for classroom, school-wide events, theatrical and other instructional purposes and by the University for campus and community special events. The renovation was made possible through $1.7 million in state capital funding and internally raised funds, including an auditorium seat campaign.
Among aesthetic repairs was a restoration of replica plaster reliefs of the Elgin Marbles, which were a gift from two U-High classes in the early 1900s. The reliefs were part of University High School when it was located in either the Metcalf Training School building or Moulton Hall. When the current University High School was built in the 1960s, the reliefs were moved to Stroud Auditorium. Former English faculty, Ruth Stroud, was responsible for having the reliefs preserved, stored and placed in the auditorium, which was subsequently named for her.
The seat campaign continues to support the fine arts and facilities at University High School. Donors have the opportunity to dedicate a nameplate in honor of or in memory of a loved one or former or current teacher until all of the seats have been named. Those interested in nameplates should contact Stephanie Stork at
(309) 438-8542.
Today, Stroud Auditorium is the U-High home for Theatre, Dance, Instrumental & Vocal Music ensembles and special events such as Class Night, Grand March, and Mr. UHigh as well as Illinois High School Theatre Festival and The Penguin Project. We look forward to you joining us for our next event.