Students whose classes meet in the auditorium of PennWest Clarion’s Still Hall will have a brighter, quieter, modernized space that is more conducive to learning, thanks to the generosity of alumni John and Jan Stoner, both 1975 graduates.

The renovated space was dedicated Nov. 13 as the John and Janice (McMinn) Stoner Auditorium. Funded by a generous donation from the Stoners, the complete renovation includes seats, flooring, lighting and HVAC systems. Work was done over the summer by Clarion facilities staff.

Prior to renovation, the former Carter Auditorium looked just as it did when Still Hall opened in the late 1970s.

“We were looking to donate to some project, and (Still Hall) is the business building,” said John Stoner. He cited the orange carpet on the walls of the auditorium and the outdated technology as motivation to help with the project. “We thought, ‘We have the funds to do it,’ so we did.”

"Gone are the orange carpet walls and faded blue flip down seats, replaced with comfortable chairs, worktables with outlets, and sound absorbing decorative panels,” said Chad Thomas, director of facilities management and operations.

ADA updates include accessible seating and a new main door.

One of the people who gave input on the design was the Stoners’ daughter, Jen, a marketing professor at the University of North Dakota, which just opened a new business building. One of the outcomes has been increased enrollment.

The couple hopes the renovation will have a similar effect for Clarion.

“I think when you take people through facilities, if it looks like it’s up to date to what it should be, it’s a big plus,” John said.

The Stoners’ donation amount is private, but without those funds and the in-house work by PennWest Clarion staff, it would have been several years before the auditorium work would have been scheduled.

Thomas said that prioritizing projects is always challenging; there are more projects than funds.

“Not only did the completion of Stoner Auditorium renovation allow us to take that off the deferred maintenance list, but the remaining projects were able to be moved up, and it likely allows for several to be completed sooner,” he said.

In his career, John Stoner, who graduated from Clarion with a marketing degree, presided over companies such as the successful True Temper Lawn and Garden and Conn-Selmer. Jan Stoner, an elementary education graduate, taught school until the couple’s daughter was born, then, with daughter in tow, ran the couple’s athletics supplies store, Stoners’ Sporting Goods. Both have volunteered liberally in the Pennsylvania and Indiana communities where they lived and have shared their success through philanthropy.

Their generosity to Clarion also includes establishing a scholarship.

“We want to help students attend college, ones who might not be able to afford it,” Jan Stoner said. “(Clarion) changed our lives. It truly changed our lives to the good.”

Above: President Jon and Kristy Anderson flank John and Jan Stoner at the dedication of Stoner Auditorium in Still Hall.