PSU unveils Champions Plaza and begins a new tradition
Saturday, October 11, 2014 2:00 AM
News
Pittsburg, KS
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As the black fabric fell away Saturday, a new tradition was born at Pittsburg State University.
Thousands of PSU alumni, students and staff joined President Steve Scott for the unveiling of Champions Plaza and its central feature, a massive bronze Gorilla created by Kansas City sculptor Tom Corbin.
“The goal,” Scott told the crowd, “was to create an area that would honor the passion and pride of our students and alumni while at the same time, celebrate the achievements of our athletic teams.”
In addition to the bronze Gorilla and 1,500 inscribed pavers, Champions Plaza also includes the Circle of Champions, an area that commemorates the accomplishments of PSU coaches, from any sport, who have led their teams to capture a national championship.
As the dedication ceremony concluded, the PSU football team completed its traditional walk from the Weede PE Building to Carnie Smith Stadium. As they passed by the plaza, each member of the team reached up to touch the Gorilla “as a symbol of unity and strength.”
Scott said alumni brought the concept of Champions Plaza to the university more than a year ago and the project was funded with private gifts.
“It represents the perfect intersection of alumni engagement, private support, and Gorilla pride,” he said.
PSU Landscape Architect Cate Breneman designed the plaza and PSU Physical Plant employees, under the direction of Tom Amershek, director of building trades and landscape maintenance, helped make it a reality. The project was constructed by Home Center Construction of Pittsburg.
Tom Corbin helped President Scott unveil the sculpture, which is not the first piece of his work to occupy a position of honor on PSU’s campus. His massive three-piece sculpture, “A Student’s Life,” is at the center of the courtyard at the Kansas Technology Center. That piece is an example of the elongated style for which he has become known around the world.
Corbin said he knew that sculpting PSU’s Gorilla would require him to return to his roots as a representational artist. He said he began by spending time at the Kansas City Zoo, sketching the zoo’s two Silverback male gorillas before beginning to sculpt.
The Gorilla was cast at a foundry in Oklahoma and brought to campus just days before the ceremony. It was hidden from public view by a box that was covered with signage promoting the unveiling event.
Chris Kelly, associate vice president of marketing and communication, said the plan was to build excitement in advance of the unveiling.
“We wanted the Pitt State family to be together to share in this special moment,” Kelly said. “There’s been a lot of speculation in the community and on social media as to what this was and what it would look like. It was clear from today’s reaction that no one was disappointed.”
After the football team passed by, alumni, many with children in tow, took their turns reaching up to touch the Gorilla. As sculptor Tom Corbin watched the new tradition begin, he noted the lasting impact of his work.
“Every mark that I put in there is going to be around for a lot longer than I am,” Corbin said. “It’s kind of wild to think about all the people who are going to see it.”
President Scott said Champions Plaza is the latest addition to the rich and colorful history that ties together generation after generation of the Gorilla family.
For information about purchasing engraved pavers in Champions Plaza, call the Office of University Development at 620-235-4768 or order online.