Louis D. Beaumont Pavilion

The outdoor stage in front of Cupples I is Beaumont Pavilion.

Construction began on the pavilion in 1965. It is the site for the annual Commencement ceremonies as well as a number of other functions, such as outdoor theater productions and concerts.

Louis D. Beaumont was born on April 26, 1857, in Dayton, Ohio. He and his two brothers joined with David May, their brother-in-law, in the 1880s to form the May Shoe and Clothing Company, which became the predecessor to May Department Stores. Eventually Mr. Beaumont lived in Europe and supervised the company’s foreign interests. He was a contributor to many charitable causes. He died on October 1, 1942.

Through the Louis D. Beaumont Foundation, Washington University in St. Louis built the Beaumont Pavilion, established a lecture series, funded a number of scholarships, and began the Beaumont-May Institute for Neurological Studies.