For Immediate Release

November 11, 2005

Contact:   Melanie McDonald, director of public relations, 574-284-4579

State Presents Award to Saint Mary's Instructor

NOTRE DAME, Ind.--Susan Baxter, a lecturer in communication and performance studies at Saint Mary's College, received the Outstanding Grassroots Preservation Award from the state for her work last year to save Mishawaka's Tivoli Theatre. Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman presented the award in Indianapolis on October 21.

"This award is important because it tells citizens that their work is valued even when they don't get the desired results," says Baxter, who recruited like-minded individuals to help form the Mishawaka Coalition to Save the Tivoli. Over six-months time, the group raised $40,000, identified community partners to work with the city to develop a theatre restoration plan, and presented a proposal to the Mishawaka City Council. The council voted "no" to the restoration plan, and the Tivoli was demolished in February 2005.

"One of the reasons I was so passionate about the Tivoli was because of its rich history as a road stop for the Federal Theatre Project (FTP)," explains Baxter. " The FTP presented 'living newspapers,' which theatrically explained government programs for undereducated people who didn't have access to radio. Now that piece of history is gone forever."

Baxter says that this experience was a lesson in citizenship for her. In hindsight, she would do it all again; she would just start sooner. "I feel guilty about waiting. I always figured there would be a grassroots effort and I would join in. Now I know you don't wait for the hero. You have to be one yourself."

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REPORTER'S CONTACT: Susan Baxter, 574-284-4720 or sbaxter@saintmarys.edu