Contact: Public Relations
(863) 680-4118

Branscomb's new sound system 
debuts for its donor

LAKELAND, Fla. (August 16, 2002) - Florida Southern's Branscomb Auditorium demonstrated its new sound system on Aug. 12 for Jay C. Troxel, the retired businessman who provided $125,000 for the equipment upgrade. A patron of FSC's Festival of Fine Arts, Troxel donated the funds in memory of his wife, Eloise. 

Troxel and his wife, both retired appraisers, moved to Lakeland in 1991. Troxel became a philanthropist after Eloise passed away in 1997. He has supported numerous charities in the Lakeland area including Lighthouse Ministries, VISTE, Talbot House and the Ledger's Newspaper with a Heart. 

"During my 11-year residence in Lakeland, I became aware of the unusual quality of cultural activities in the community, especially the Festival of Fine Arts sponsored by Florida Southern," Troxel said. "It was with great pleasure that I learned how I could be of help to the program as one way to express my gratitude to the college for its ongoing contribution to Lakeland and Polk County." 

According to Branscomb manager, Tony Harris, the new sound system is the best he has heard in Central Florida other than the system at the Cirque du Soliel Theatre in downtown Disney. The system, consisting of 12 Meyer Sound powered loudspeakers controlled through a digital media matrix processor, replaces the system installed in 1963. The 3-months-long installation included engineering and rigging by Aerial Rigging of Lakeland, electrical installation by Morgan Electric of Lakeland, and system installation and overall project management by Pro Sound of Orlando. 

The sound system will have its official debut at the premiere of FSC's Festival of Fine Arts Program on Oct. 3. The music department's soloists and ensembles combine their talents for a tribute to famous composers. For ticket information, call 863-680-4296. 

About Florida Southern College
Florida Southern is a four-year, private, co-educational liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The college offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and a master of business administration degree accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Located in Lakeland, Fla., the college is home to the largest, single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world.

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