Marion Austin Jones ’50

THE BACKGROUND: The Jones name holds a special place in Monmouth College history, and so does the name Austin. In 1901 Marion’s great-grandfather, T. Merrill Austin, was appointed to direct the College’s Conservatory of Music, which flourished during his 35 years of leadership. One of his star pupils was the legendary Gracie Peterson, a 1922 graduate who taught piano at Monmouth for 50 years and was still performing at the age of 100. Today the College’s music building, Austin Hall, stands as a memorial to Marion’s family and those initial connections to Monmouth. The most recent graduate in the family is Miranda Jones ’17, Marion’s granddaughter.

THE GIFT: Through a trust gift from their late father, Addison Jones and brothers Austin Jones and David Jones have established the Marion Austin Jones Endowed Professorship in Theatre. The gift honors the life of the 1950 graduate who later served on the Monmouth College Board of Trustees, of which Austin Jones is a member today. “The professorship honors one of Mom’s great loves—theatre and singing—only second to her family and Monmouth College,” said Austin. “I remember discussing the notion for this gift the week before Dad passed (in 2021). He looked at me, and he said, ‘Let’s get this done.’ It was his wish to honor his wife.”

A PASSION FOR MONMOUTH: “Mom had such a passion for the school,” said Austin. “She shared wonderful stories of being on stage with Gracie Peterson. Gracie said that my great-grandfather was her favorite professor, and my mother’s favorite professor was Gracie. The heritage is deep-rooted in our family. Mom loved working with the board, the professors, and the administration, and my father was always so impressed that he could sit in on the open part of the board meetings,” he said. “He thought the leadership of the College was so insightful and thoughtful.”