Amphitheatre dedication

      The new D. Douglas Barnard Amphitheatre will be dedicated in a ceremony on Tuesday, April 22, at 3 p.m. The amphitheatre honors the Honorable D. Douglas Barnard, Jr., a 1940 alumnus of the Junior College of Augusta (ASU) and an accomplished business executive, civic leader, and statesman. After graduating from JCA, Mr. Barnard went on to graduate from Mercer University and then served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Afterwards, he returned to Mercer to earn a Juris Doctorate degree.
      He began a banking career that spanned nearly 30 years, ending as executive vice president of Georgia Railroad Bank & Trust Co. His banking career was interrupted by service as executive secretary to Governor Carl Sanders. In 1976, Mr. Barnard was elected to the United States Congress, where he served on the Bankers, Veterans, Small Business, and Government Operations Committees. His work in Congress made possible the acquisition of Forest Hills Golf Course for the university and many other benefits for the people of Georgia's 10th Congressional District. He served in Congress until 1993. Mr. Barnard also served as a member of the Georgia Board of Transportation from 1966 to 1976, where he was instrumental in many of the road projects that benefitted Augusta and the state.
      Mr. Barnard was named recipient of the Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award and Distinguished Alumnus Award as well as the university's President's Award and the Distinguished Georgian award.
      The amphitheatre was designed by Therese Rosier, assistant vice president of plant operations, and Toole Engineering. It was constructed by Construction Perfected, Inc. It includes lights, speakers, band shells for acoustics, and seating for more than 600 guests. The public is invited to attend the dedication.