Listed on the National Register for Historic Places, McFarlin Memorial Auditorium is the site for many events at Southern Methodist University such as commencement, graduation, the renowned Willis M. Tate Lecture Series, and other student programs. The Auditorium is also used to showcase international dance companies, famous vocalists and comedians, and nationally celebrated bands. Opened in 1926, the Auditorium has evolved over time as "a place where we can have our friends from the community and elsewhere together on great occasions." Financing was secured by a generous donation from devout Methodist and San Antonio businessman Robert M. McFarlin. One of the ten SMU buildings listed on the National Historic Register, McFarlin is known as one of the jewels among the SMU campus.