As the Welcome Center at Morgan Hall continued to take shape in July, construction workers finished placingthe letters to spell Washburn University on the front of the facility. Photo by Ernie W. Webb IIISTATUESQUEICHABODBoard of Trustees funds life-size bronze statue for Sesquicentennial PlazaBy Kathy Busch • kbusch@wufoundation.orgIn early 2014, construction began on the renovationof Morgan Hall and the addition of a newWelcome Center. Now, the renovation is nearlycomplete. When students, faculty, staff, alumni andfriends gather on campus for Grand Homecoming,they will see the transformation of the north side ofcampus. This includes a distinctive front entrance to the9 Welcome AdditionsUniversity, complete with a large plaza on the north anda covered plaza on the west.On Friday, Oct. 23, as part of the sesquicentennialcelebration, there will be a tour of Morgan Hall and theWelcome Center. During that time, a life-size, bronzeIchabod statue will be unveiled in the center of the newIchabod Sesquicentennial Plaza, welcoming all who
POND GIFT FUNDSSIGNATURE SCULPTUREDale, bba ’69, and Susan Pond have madea very generous gift to commission asignature sculpture for the front of the newWelcome Center. In addition to supportingthe Morgan Hall and Welcome Centerproject, the Ponds said it is important thatthere be a beautiful piece of art leading intothe facility.“Susan and I love art and all that itbrings to our lives,” Dale Pond said.“We want to create that sense of beautyThe personalized bricks that will be located in the plazanorth of the Welcome Center arrived on campus inJuly. The bricks will be placed before the facility’s grandopening during Grand Homecoming. Photo submittedcome to campus.The seven-foot statue, created by Bergen SculptureStudio LLC, Salina, Kansas, was funded throughcontributions from the Washburn University FoundationBoard of Trustees at a cost of $100,000.“Celebrating Washburn’s 150th anniversary has beenso exciting,” said Dan Hutchins, bba ’78, chairman,Washburn University Foundation Board of Directors.“As trustees, we wanted to do something special for thisoccasion, something that would leave a lasting legacy forfuture students. The Ichabod statue seemed perfect.”The statue is surrounded by pavers engraved with thenames and inscriptions of thousands of Ichabod fansfrom across the country. This project is the first of its kindon the Washburn campus.“This project, like so many others, is made possiblewith the partnership of the University and generousdonors,” said JuliAnn Mazachek, president, WashburnUniversity Foundation. “We are so fortunate to haveso many alumni and friends who are committed tocreating the best possible educational experience forour students today and tomorrow. We believe the newlyrenovated Morgan Hall, the Welcome Center and thesurrounding outdoor spaces will truly enhance thelearning environment.”surrounding the new Welcome Center,which we know will be a focal point ofWashburn for every student, family andvisitor who comes to campus.”“Dale and Susan’s love of art and theircommitment to Washburn resulted in thiswonderful gift to the University,” saidJuliAnn Mazachek, president, WashburnUniversity Foundation. “Through theirgenerosity, everyone who comes tocampus can enjoy the beautiful sculpturethat will be featured on the northeast sideof Morgan Hall, adjacent to the IchabodSesquicentennial Plaza.”The 12-foot sculpture is the work ofworld-renowned artist Rita Blitt. Blittgraduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and continued her studies at theKansas City Art Institute. She has createdmore than 45 monumental sculptures up to60-feet high and has had more than 70 soloexhibitions during her career.The sculpture will be unveiled Oct. 23 inconjunction with Grand Homecoming andthe official opening of Morgan Hall and thenew Welcome Center.Welcome Additions 10
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