Buy a brick for ‘Ring of Fire’
Published 6:53 pm Friday, July 15, 2011
Construction is progressing on Southwestern Michigan College’s Alumni Plaza, which will be completed in late summer. The plaza, located on the college’s Dowagiac campus, will be comprised of engraved bricks and limestone bands as well as gardens and shade and ornamental trees commemorating friends and supporters of the college. (File photo)
DOWAGIAC – Construction on Southwestern Michigan College’s Alumni Plaza is on schedule for a late summer completion date. There is still time to order an engraved commemorative brick or limestone band to be placed on plaza and the ‘Ring of Fire.’
“There is a short window of opportunity for this year to purchase an engraved brick or limestone band so that it can be placed on the plaza late this summer,” said Eileen Toney, director of Development and executive director of the SMC Foundation. “We are encouraging all friends of the college to purchase a brick or limestone band soon.”
The Alumni Plaza, located in the center quadrangle of the SMC’s Dowagiac campus, is dedicated to past, present, and future friends of the college. This elevated circular plaza with surrounding seating will be a gathering place for students and a site for outdoor performances.
Included in the plaza will be a special area for bricks paying tribute to Ron Gunn on his 44-year history of coaching and teaching at SMC, as well as his fitness and wellness programs offered to the community. The college is donating a 3-foot limestone band on Gunn’s behalf engraved with the words “Coach Ron Gunn Fire Up!,” will be part of bricks located on the lower level of the plaza.
“Our goal is to raise $50,000 toward the cost of the plaza from for the Ring of Fire tribute, added Toney.
In addition to the engraved bricks and limestone bands, there are other options for those who want to be a part of the plaza project, Toney said.
“Individuals, clubs, groups, or businesses can purchase a garden or individual shade or ornamental trees as well,” Toney said. “We have several options available for someone who would like to make a gift to honor a graduates’ accomplishment or to recognize the support provided by family or community members and businesses.”
The gardens and trees will be marked with the names of those who purchased these options, Toney said.
For more information or to purchase bricks, limestone bands, or other options on SMC’s Alumni Plaza, call the college’s Development office at 782-1296 or visit SMC’s website at www.swmich.edu.
