Centennial construction at NSU nears completion

Alumni returning to Northeastern are sure to note that the view south of Seminary Hall has changed.

Late in 2008, NSU embarked on a three-phase construction project to celebrate the universitys Centennial. Included are a Centennial Plaza, a formalized parking area and entrance sign. Two phases are finished and plans for the final phase should be completed in January 2010.

"The whole idea is to create a focal point of activity and gathering on the campus for people to come and be reminded of the significant history of the university," said NSU President Don Betz. "Everyone associated with this has done a phenomenal job. From our buildings and grounds crews and our Physical Plant people, to those who worked to make this happen like Tim Foutch and Kim Cherryits been a whole phalanx of people and it's all been very positive."

The Centennial Plaza is a 2,300-square-foot exterior structure designed and built to commemorate NSUs 100th anniversary as an Oklahoma institution of higher learning. It features an open-frame structure of seven columns topped with curved steel beams. In the plaza's center is a bronze sculpture of Sequoyah. The seven Cherokee tribes are represented by images atop each of the columns and the steel beams display the Cherokee alphabet.

The second phase created new sidewalks and a renovated formal parking area south of the plaza. The parking area connects Centennial Plaza to Muskogee Avenuethe gateway to the campus.

The final phase calls for a campus entry sign complete with water feature standing at the south end of the parking lot.

"As you come north on Muskogee Avenue over Town Branch Creek, you will see a brick-and stone sign," Betz said. "It will bear the name of the university in English and repeat it in Cherokee. On each side will be medallions displaying the seal of the university. There will also be a small waterfall that will pour into a pool around each side of the sign. It will not block the view of Seminary Hall."

Betz, whose residence is within sight of Centennial Plaza, has seen the foot traffic it attracts.

"Since we opened the plaza on March 6, people bring their children and families there," he said. "Often in the evenings or on the weekends they will walk on to campus.

I'm pleased that it seems to be pleasing the people of the campus and the community. It's going to become one of the identifying symbols of the university for many years."

10/30/2009

Published: 2009-10-30 00:00:00