Love Story Inspires $1 Million Theater Renovation at William & Mary’s Swem Library
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A generous donation is breathing new life into a long-neglected performance space at William & Mary’s Swem Library, transforming it into a state-of-the-art theater named in honor of a beloved alumna. The renovation is a testament to a nearly 50-year marriage that began within the library’s walls and a poignant memorial to a life well-lived.
A Campus Romance Blooms in the Stacks
William & Mary is renowned for its romantic traditions, with campus lore suggesting a kiss atop the Crim Dell bridge guarantees a lifelong connection. But for Earle MacKenzie ’74 and his late wife, Glenna Bowman MacKenzie ’74, it was the quiet corners of Swem Library that fostered their enduring love.
“Glenna and I met here at William & Mary, so it’s a very important place to us,” Earle MacKenzie shared. “We started dating our sophomore year, and we spent almost every day together, studying on the second floor of Swem.” Their connection blossomed despite a complicated beginning – Glenna was initially dating Earle’s roommate. However, Earle’s persistence led to a first date, and the couple quickly became inseparable. They married in July 1974, just six weeks after graduating, and enjoyed nearly 49 years of marriage before Glenna’s passing in January 2023.
A Gift of Remembrance
Following Glenna’s death, Earle sought a meaningful way to honor her memory. After discussing options with library officials, including senior development director John Hunter and Dean of University Libraries Carrie Cooper, he found the perfect tribute: the Swem Library Theater.
“John and Carrie gave me a tour of the library and showed me the theater,” MacKenzie explained. “After the visit, on my way home, it hit me that the theater would be the right place for me to make a gift because the library holds special memories.” The theater, an original feature of the building constructed in the mid-1960s, had fallen into disuse due to accessibility issues and outdated technology. It had long been on the library’s list of desired renovations.
A Scrapbook Reveals a Prophetic Wish
Shortly after committing to the renovation, Earle stumbled upon a college scrapbook created by Glenna. Within its pages, he discovered a two-page spread dedicated to Swem Library, a testament to the countless hours they spent there together. “In the spread, she had written, ‘Maybe one day they’ll erect a monument to us,’” MacKenzie recalled. “I knew then that I had made the right decision.”
Thanks to Earle’s generous donation, the renovation project commenced this spring. The newly named Glenna Bowman MacKenzie Theater is slated to open in December 2025, with a private dedication event planned for the MacKenzie family and friends in January 2026.
A Modern Learning Space for the Future
The revitalized theater will offer comfortable seating for approximately 70 people, ensuring accessibility for all students and faculty. Improvements will include enhanced lighting and cutting-edge technology for film screenings, lecture recordings, and live streaming events.
“A deep dive on classroom space during the comprehensive planning process revealed that learning spaces for 50-100 people are at a deficit, as are spaces meant for watching films and broadcasting speakers,” explained Dean Cooper. “The Glenna Bowman MacKenzie Theater is meeting our needs and expands availability for hosting community events that celebrate the research being produced at William & Mary.”
Earle MacKenzie expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “I’m excited about giving new life to the theater. I’m also very excited to see Glenna’s name on the theater.” The Glenna Bowman MacKenzie Theater will serve as a lasting legacy to a beautiful love story and a valuable resource for the William & Mary community for generations to come.
