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 the 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.”
Alumni Plaza, located in the center quadrangle of 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 three-foot limestone band on Gunn’s behalf engraved with the words “Coach Ron Gunn Fire Up!” It 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.”