The space will include three inviting red benches, a relaxing fountain and a newly planted tree near the X-Hedges.
The beautification project will add to OU's national reputation as one of America's most beautiful campuses. The space will serve as a relaxing and reflective area for students, alumni and visitors who want to take a break after class, enjoy lunch with a friend or simply appreciate the beauty of campus.
The gift is a reflection of the Class of 2016 and their time spent at OU and a “thank you” to their alma mater.
Since 1906, OU students have left behind a special gift to the campus and all the students who follow in their footsteps. Over the years, class gifts have created such campus landmarks as the Cherokee Gothic arches that welcome visitors to Parrington Oval and the Asp Avenue, Elm Avenue and Brooks Street entrances and the Centennial Arches, a 100th birthday gift to OU from the Class of 1990, which stand sentinel at the entrance of Van Vleet Oval; the OU Reflecting Pool at The Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, originally a gift of the Class of 1934 and revived by the classes of 1960 and 2000; and the fountain and pool between Oklahoma Memorial Union and Monnet Hall, a gift of the Class of 1935.
Other class gifts include Reunion Park (classes of 1948 and 1949), located on the corner of Boyd Street and College Avenue; the Spoonholder, located in the center of Parrington Oval, which was originally a gift of the Class of 1910 and was rebuilt as a joint effort between the classes of 1949 and 1999; the Seed Sower Seal (Class of 1998), completed by artist-in-residence Paul Moore and located on Stuart Landing of Oklahoma Memorial Union; “The Guardian” sculpture (Class of 2002), designed by Native American artist Enoch Kelly Haney; the American Flag Plaza, located north of They Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (Class of 2004); and a historic-style exterior clock (Class of 2005), between the Adams and Walker towers; celebrating Oklahoma’s Centennial and 101-year-old tradition of class gifts at OU, the Disc Ruin sculpture was created by artist Jesus Moroles and is located on the south end of the Bizzell Memorial Library (Class of 2007), among others.
For more information on this year’s class gift or to make a contribution on behalf of a graduating senior, please visit the Thousands Strong project page and click on “Class Gift.”
