Western Illinois Universitys Goldfarb Center Opens September 2026, Supported by Longtime Music Business Alumni

Western Illinois University is set to unveil its new Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts in September 2026, a state‑of‑the‑art venue that will transform the rural campus of Macomb, Illinois. The center, named after former university president Alvin Goldfarb, will host music, theatre, dance, and a variety of other performances. Its centerpiece, the Great Hall, will feature a cutting‑edge control room that the McCain family has dedicated in honor of their long‑standing support for the university’s Music Business program.

Claudia McCain, a 1979 graduate of WIU’s School of Music and former director of the Music Business program, has been a driving force behind the curriculum’s growth. She guided the program from 1988 until her retirement in 2007, turning a fledgling course into a nationally recognized training ground for careers in music publishing, marketing, and production. The McCains’ latest contribution will fund the Great Hall’s control room, providing students with hands‑on experience in live‑sound technology and recording workflows that mirror industry practices.

"Claudia and Jim have always been passionate about music and education," a spokesperson for the Office of University Communications said. "Their continued support, including the Jim and Claudia McCain Music Business Scholarship, will help future students gain practical skills that are essential in today’s music industry."

The Goldfarb Center’s debut is part of a broader strategy by WIU to strengthen its arts infrastructure. Historically, the campus has lacked a nearby professional‑level venue, leaving residents and students with limited opportunities to experience live performances. The new Great Hall will host a range of events—from local ensembles to touring acts such as the QC Symphony Orchestra, which is scheduled to perform at the venue in its first season.

The McCains expressed enthusiasm about the new space. "The more funding that is given, the more enriching the experiences in this building will be for the students learning in it," they said. "We hope that our gift provides educational opportunities for students as well as inspires others to make a financial commitment as well."

WIU’s Music Business program continues to graduate students who pursue careers in music publishing, marketing, and production. The university’s website lists a Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in Music Business, a Master of Music in Composition, and other degrees. The scholarship fund established by the McCains supports students in the music business track.

Tickets for upcoming performances at the Goldfarb Center can be purchased through the university’s season ticket portal (go.wiu.edu/44TNgBR). For more information about the center, including upcoming events and the Great Hall’s specifications, visitors can visit wiu.edu/cofac/gcpa or follow the center’s Facebook page at facebook.com/wiugoldfarbcenter.

The McCains’ donation underscores the importance of philanthropy in sustaining arts education at regional institutions. Their investment in the control room and scholarship fund will equip WIU students with industry‑standard tools and financial support, ensuring that the university’s music programs remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing creative economy.

Once open, the Goldfarb Center is expected to become a cultural hub for Macomb and the surrounding region, enhancing WIU’s reputation as a leader in performing arts education.