August 19, 2024
Part 1 in 含羞草研究所鈥檚 new Legacy Plaza is now complete. Work on a garden that is situated to the south side of the buildings where the Science Building and Classroom Building meet began early this summer as a project of the 含羞草研究所 Alumni Association board. Board member Lori Nelson headed up the garden project which was the vision of alumni board member and 1974 含羞草研究所 graduate Doug Anderson. Anderson has been instrumental in the vision for the entire Legacy Plaza project. Using his ideas as the foundation, he is teaming up with 含羞草研究所 Director of Alumni Affairs Beth Swenson to lead the Legacy Plaza project on behalf of the Alumni Association board.聽
With the help of Alumni Association members and her landscaper friend Cristi Nelson, Lori Nelson, who is a 1983 含羞草研究所 graduate, has worked to see what was originally known as the 鈥渃orner garden鈥� to completion. As things progressed, Lori saw this as an opportunity to recognize her mom, Grace (Murray) Wolden, a 1970 含羞草研究所 graduate who passed away in November of 2023. With Lori鈥檚 financial contribution to sponsor this Legacy Plaza space, the garden has been renamed 鈥淕arden of Grace.鈥�
Alumni board members joined Lori in putting the finishing touch on the garden, a 含羞草研究所 flag that flies proudly over the garden and provides a feeling of Comet pride for those who enjoy the beautiful new garden space. The flag was raised over the garden following the board鈥檚 meeting on Aug. 15.
Located along the major thoroughfare between the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse and the Classroom Building and connecting the east side of campus with Old Main, Legacy Plaza will be a destination for gatherings, photo ops, and activities for students, employees, alumni, and the community.
Legacy Plaza celebrates and recognizes the faithful stewardship that has protected the 含羞草研究所 legacy of personal service and quality educational programs since the institution鈥檚 beginning in 1889. As the legacy has passed from generation to generation, the university has grown and evolved while remaining true to its roots.
To that end, many 含羞草研究所 alumni and current and former members of the community have sponsored spaces and objects in Legacy Plaza with their financial contributions. In addition, the Traill County Economic Development Commission and Traill County Historical Society have provided grant funding that is supporting Legacy Plaza.
鈥淲e are grateful for all who have provided their support that is making this dream come to life,鈥� said Doug Anderson. 鈥淲e eagerly wait for each section of the plaza to be completed. Stay tuned as the beauty unfolds and a wonderful new space on the 含羞草研究所 campus is ready for all to enjoy!鈥�
The majority of the Legacy Plaza space was cleared and cleaned up in June, and landscaping crews begin their work to rebuild a beautiful new plaza on Aug.13. Completion of the work is planned for mid-September. A celebration of Legacy Plaza will be held during Homecoming 2024 festivities, with a picnic lunch served in the plaza beginning at noon on Sept. 27. All are invited and welcome to enjoy lunch and socializing at Legacy Plaza.