John Mybeck, Champion of Theatre in Northwest Indiana, Dies

By Kenneth Jones
January 7, 2009

John Mybeck, 68, senior vice president/chief administrative officer of Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, Inc., and leader of Theatre at the Center in Munster, IN, died at his Dyer, IN, home Jan. 6 after a battle with lung cancer.

Through his work with Community Foundation, Mr. Mybeck helped to develop the area's only Equity theatre company providing professional opportunities for Chicago-area actors, directors and designers. As producer of Theatre at the Center, he has overseen since 1990 nearly 100 productions held at the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts.

"John was the consummate fighter with a compassionate heart," said Mylinda Cane, spokesperson for Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana. "He took the time to know what mattered most to people and stood up for them, for good ideas and worthwhile causes. It was with that same tenacity, he battled cancer, refusing to give up hope and sharing one last lesson with us all."

A native of Lake County, Mr. Mybeck received three degrees from Purdue University: a bachelor's of science, a master's of education and a doctor of philosophy. A former high school teacher, university administrator and trade association director, Mr. Mybeck joined the not-for-profit Community Foundation shortly after its creation in 1986.

As assistant to the president and under his direction, Mr. Mybeck had oversight of financial matters for the Foundation, including land acquisition and sale as well as loan administration with local banks. He provided construction oversight for the many building projects of Community Foundation and played an integral role in the creation of the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts.

He was a former chairman of the Lake County Community Development Committee and former president of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society.