University Park, Pa. -- This week, Penn State seniors will once again have the opportunity to determine their legacy by selecting one of three campus improvement projects as their class gift to the University.
Voting for the 2004 Penn State senior class gift will take place through Friday, Oct. 24, 2003. Seniors can vote online at http://www.seniorclassgift.psu.edu 24-hours a day (from 8 a.m. Tuesday through 5 p.m. Friday). In addition, seniors can vote in-person and receive a free gift from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following locations:
⢠Wednesday, Oct. 22 and Friday, Oct. 24 — HUB and the Student Book Store
⢠Thursday, Oct. 23 — HUB and Willard Plaza
The following proposals have been chosen for the ballot this year:
—Obelisk Garden, to be located in the northeast corner of the Alumni Center gardens. The area will be transformed into an open lawn with a low seat wall surrounding the space. The walkways between Sackett and Willard will be repositioned and visitors who enter the Obelisk Garden will be treated to an expanse of green lawn. Students seeking a respite from their busy schedules can settle onto the low seat wall for a view of the Obelisk and Old Main. This garden will be an oasis for rest, contemplation and study, considerably expanding the amount of "green space" available to students in the campus core. Recognition will be given to the Class of 2004 in the form of a plaque.
—Campus Historic Bench and Bench Preservation Project, to replace benches along the Pattee and Henderson Malls. In keeping with the new historical lighting (the 2001 senior class gift) on these malls, this class gift would involve the installation of benches sympathetic in character with the new historic lights. Some benches that were removed because of disrepair were gifts of previous senior classes, and the replacement benches would provide dual recognition: "Original Benches a Gift of the Class of 1900, graciously enhanced by the Class of 2004."
—Willard Plaza. Plans are under way for the reconstruction of Pollock Road from Burrowes to Shortlidge Roads. These improvements include brick sidewalks, street trees, and a plaza between Willard Building and Pollock Road. Similar in design to the HUB Plaza, the Willard Plaza will be an outdoor gathering space for students and will include seating, brick paving, plantings and bicycle parking. The Class of 2004 would provide the funding to name this plaza. A plaque located within the plaza could read, "Willard Plaza made possible through the generosity of the Class of 2004."
The theme for the gift is "Honoring Tradition, Leaving a Legend. Senior Class Gift 2004." The ballot selection committee is composed of faculty, staff and students, and led by Robyn Ricketts, ballot selection chair, and Bob Fay, overall chair. The committee chose the three proposals from 35 submitted by the University community. The winning proposal will be announced on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 3:30 p.m.
Visit http://www.giveto.psu.edu/AnnualFund/seniorgift.htm to vote or learn about gifts to the University presented by previous Penn State senior classes.
Questions about this year's senior class gift selection may be directed to Amber Krieg, senior class gift advisor, at adk5@psu.edu, or Bob Fay, senior class gift campaign overall chair, at ref141@psu.edu.