Fundraising begins for Redmen Heritage Wall

By TNE Staff Writer Kalib Webb

Redmen is a nickname that NSU students and faculty alike will not soon forget, and with funding another monument to remember the name will be "enhanced" to keep the Redmen spirit alive.

The Redmen Heritage Wall is the theme of a new project to be located immediately northeast of the John Vaughan Library. Some are unaware of the wall's history and that football was played where students park their cars north of the library.

"We would all get behind the marching band and march to the stadium," said Londa Cox, a former NSU cheerleader. "It would seem to add some extra pep or passion to the game at hand."

The project is still in its early phases and seeks funding.

"To a large degree we are still in the preliminary fundraising state at this time," said Daniel Johnson, Director of Alumni Services.

The idea was first publicly proposed during Homecoming Week at the Lettermen's Athletic Breakfast. A video was also added to YouTube to gain support. www.youtube.com/watch?v=nshkG9D2qhU

"The wall may have small sections removed but the wall itself is being preserved and enhanced," said Tim Foutch, associate vice president for Administration. "So we remember the Redmen name."

When the word enhancement was used to describe the project, Johnson agreed it was the perfect description.

"The idea to use the wall as a basis of a monument celebrating our heritage as the Redmen enhancements are a good way to look at it," Johnson said.

He described the fundraising process as "a very different plan to seek appeals."

The funding requests are being made to NSU's alumni community. Several different funding options are available, depending on the amount and the message intended.

Donors may have sections named for them and an option may be included to allow messages to be placed.

Cox said she and her husband, NSU tennis coach Ron Cox, are enthusiastic about the project.

"We just want something that is truly Redmen to remain for all the alumni and true Redmen at heart," she said.

Donation options include $250 for an 8-by-8 inch brick, $350 for a 12-by-12 inch paverstones and $1,000 for a section of bench. For more information or to make a donation contact the Alumni Association at 918-444-4200.

11/30/2009

Published: 2009-11-30 00:00:00