Aerial rendering of the new campus Quad
A new chapter in the history of Columbia College began on Tuesday. More than 125 members of the campus community and distinguished guests from the Columbia community gathered outside St. Clair Hall to celebrate the groundbreaking of the college’s new campus Quad! The event marked the official kickoff of the project that will become the heart of the college’s campus which was envisioned by Columbia College President Scott Dalrymple.
“The Quad will transform our outdoor spaces in exciting ways that will benefit everyone,” Dalrymple said. “It will create a positive energy on our campus and will be a place to study, to play, to eat and to socialize and make lifelong memories.”
The estimated $1.9 million project will feature an amphitheater for holding classes, student presentations and performances; a zero-entry fountain; a sheltered dining pavilion; a garden honoring Christian College heritage; and a new, centrally located campus safety office.
“Over the past 165 years, this special place has earned the hallmark of anticipating significant societal directions,” Lynne Stuver-Baker, Christian College graduate of 1964 and member of the Columbia College Board of Trustees said. ”This project will not only become a hub for students to gather and engage in discussion and social conversation, but the important issue of safety will become a more visible asset to this campus.”
The ceremony featured several dignitaries who were in attendance including: President Dalrymple, First Lady Tina Dalrymple, several members of the board of trustees, Student Body President Sarah Barris, President Emeritus Dr. Gerald Brouder, former college president Dr. Donald Ruthenberg and his wife, Dee, representatives from Simon Oswald Architects, Reinhart Construction, CM Engineering, ES&S and Cliff Jarvis, executive director of plant and facilities for the college.
Portions of the Quad will be paved with engraved bricks, which can be purchased and personalized through the college to support the project. This is one of the most visible ways to support the Quad Initiative and to forever be a part of Columbia College history.
Dr. Dalrymple envisions these bricks being placed near the fountain centered in front of Williams Hall, the college’s first building, and in the semicircle walk of the Christian College Garden below the backdrop of Dorsey Chapel’s stained glass windows.
Engraved bricks can mark:
- Your own legacy
- A graduate
- The memory of a loved one
- Celebration of a class year
- A faculty or staff member
- Your Cougar pride
Limited spaces are available. Placement in the Christian College Garden or in the paver walk near the fountain will be first-come, first-served, so reserve your brick before space runs out.
To give online, visit ChooseCC.org/brick.
