Employees and Students Gather to Preview the Refreshed Cameron Auditorium

QUINCY, MA – Eastern Nazarene College shared a preview of the newly redesigned Cameron Auditorium with employees and students on Oct. 23, 2023.

Faculty, staff, and students gathered at 10:00 a.m. to see the new auditorium before its formal debut. The space, formerly dedicated solely to the late Dr. Ruth Cameron, will now be dedicated to both Drs. Cameron. Executive Director of Advancement and External Relations Kristen Wilson began the ceremony by thanking donors for raising $350,000 in just one year, noting that this project could not come to fruition without the commitment of the friends and family of ENC. Wilson said in her speech that she had fond memories of Dr. James Cameron while she was an undergraduate, a testament to his beloved and storied history at the College. President Derr prayed over the new space and all the lectures, concerts, and conversations that would soon occur within before Dr. Cameron gave a short and heartfelt speech thanking his found family, many of whom accompanied him to the ceremony.

The initiative to revitalize the Ruth Cameron Auditorium, affectionately known as the RCA, began last fall. This preview showed a brightened space including fresh walls, a reconfigured stage, new lighting, updated sound panels, new carpet, and higher ceilings. The lounge space on the outside was also refreshed and features new tables and chairs for students to enjoy between classes as well as a wall honoring donors.

The auditorium hosts regular classes as well as seminars, panels, talent shows, live performances, and more. Further updates to come before the official public unveiling in the spring will include additional technical advancements and seating.

The redesigned and rededicated auditorium shows the College’s commitment to providing students with the resources and learning environments they need while recognizing the educational achievements of the past.

About the Camerons

Drs. James Reese Cameron and Ruth Allen Cameron were exemplary faculty members at Eastern Nazarene College. Through their teaching and service, they modeled the best of Christian educators: highly credentialed, professionally active, spiritually mature, and personally engaged.

The late Dr. Ruth Cameron was devoted to her students and colleagues. She taught literature for over 40 years at Eastern Nazarene College. Under her leadership, the English Department – as an intellectual environment – was as warm and friendly as it was stimulating and challenging.

Dr. James Cameron inspired his students in the History Department to excel. His kindness, encouragement, support, and friendship are cherished by those who know him. James has written two books on the history of the College: Eastern Nazarene College: The First Fifty Years 1900-1950 and The Spirit Makes the Difference: The History of Eastern Nazarene College Part II, 1950-2000.

The Camerons modeled their faith through every aspect of their lives.