By Staff
FAVORITE PLACE n Emma McCain in the Ivy Theater, where she hardly ever misses a performance of the Meridian Symphony Orchestra. The Meridian Community College theater will be renamed Friday to honor the long-time patron of the arts. Photo by Kelly Quackenbush/The Meridian Star
Special to The Star
March 1, 2001
The Ivy Hall Theater at Meridian Community College will become the Emma McCain Fine Arts Theater Friday. The dedication will be be in honor of a long-time devoted arts patron, Emma McCain.
A native of Vicksburg, McCain graduated from the Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati and spent 26 years working in personnel for the East River Savings Bank in New York City. Prior to her banking career, she was president of the Savings Bank Women of New York. McCain also worked with the American Red Cross. In 1972, she moved to Meridian and played violin for three years in the Meridian Symphony Orchestra. Her leadership positions include serving as president of the Pierian Literary Club and the Matinee Music Club. She is also the treasurer of the Galaxy Club, which helps with Meridian restoration efforts including restoring the Meridian antebellum home, Merrehope.
McCain has donated two $100,000 gifts to the MCC Foundation and created a cultural arts scholarship.
In 1992, she was named the Philanthropist of the Year by the MCC Foundation. She was recognized as Meridian's Art Patron of the Year for 2000, and has been a member of both The MCC Foundation and the Meridian Symphony Orchestra boards for many years.
The ceremony, billed as Serenade to a Great Lady, begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday will be performed by the MCC Variations as a part of the Arts and Letters Series