The stage inside Southwestern University’s Alma Thomas Theater has a name for the very first time. The estate of Roger Edward Davidson ’49 has made a generous bequest gift of $1 million to Southwestern University to dedicate the Davidson Stage at the Alma Thomas Theater.
Davidson was a staunch supporter of the performing arts and the proud father of Donald Davidson ’81, Christopher Davidson, Amanda Davidson, and Eric Davidson.
“Dad was always supportive of music and the arts wherever he lived, from Colorado to Texas,” Chris Davidson said. “It was important to him to leave something to inspire young people to follow in pursuing and supporting music and the arts. He always looked back fondly on his time at SU and how it shaped his adult life. He had fond memories.”
Originally from Oakland, California, Roger Davidson served in the United States Navy before attending Southwestern, where he graduated with a music degree. At SU, he played in the band and orchestra, wrote for The Megaphone, and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. In 2007, at the age of 81, Davidson flew back to Texas from his home in Colorado to help rebuild the Kappa Sigma chapter house.
“We are deeply honored to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Mr. Davidson, whose love for Southwestern and commitment to his alma mater, music, and the arts will now live on through the stage that bears his family’s name,” Vice President for University Relations Marie Muhvic said. “His generous bequest stands as a powerful testament to the lasting impact of planned giving. It has been a privilege to steward this gift and to come to know the remarkable family he honored—whose names will now inspire generations to come.”
Davidson held a love for music and was a part-time musician throughout the 1950s and 1960s. After moving to Grand Junction, Colorado, following his retirement, Davidson became active with the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra. He joined the organization’s Board of Directors in 2002 and served as its Vice President until his passing in 2011. He was a strong supporter of the Symphony’s causes, including their annual gala and their project to renovate Grand Junction’s historic Avalon Theatre to become their new home.
The newly named Davidson Stage at the Alma Thomas Theater is home to a variety of live performances year-round, from plays and musicals to comedy shows and concerts. Located within Southwestern University’s Sarofim School of Fine Arts, the Alma Thomas Theater is a 720-seat venue featuring an orchestra pit, acoustic shell, and state-of-the-art lighting and rigging.
Those interested in making an estate gift to Southwestern University can visit southwestern.planmylegacy.org or contact Director of Development for Planned Giving Nicole Bolinger via email at bolingern@southwestern.edu or by phone at 512.863.1485.
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