A New Campus Landmark
From modest beginnings in 1855, Michigan State University has grown into a renowned land-grant institution on the strength of its people and their pride in its mission. With global reach and a research and education program of international distinction and infinite possibilities, MSU continues to serve as a touchstone for alumni and friends.
Today, individuals and organizations making private contributions are key to MSU's continued success. Beginning with the Donor Wall of Honor located in the lobby of Kellogg Center and continuing with the addition of several college and unit recognition displays, MSU has long realized that public recognition of major donors to the university is an important part of both stewarding our current donors as well as welcoming new ones. In 2000, the Kellogg Center wall was "closed" due to a lack of additional space and has since served as recognition of significant donors of the 20th century. Then in 2005, as The Campaign for MSU was nearing its conclusion, MSU began looking for a unified way to not only recognize the important donors of our past, but to create a means of honoring donors well into our future.
Now that The Campaign for MSU has drawn to a close, the university has launched a new phase of donor recognition - one that will honor a new generation of donors who realize the important role that private support plays at this university. Benefactors Plaza, officially dedicated on October 5, 2007, is a tribute to the many whose significant financial gifts touch lives, encourage growth, and stimulate never ending progress at this extraordinary institution. Their generosity is profoundly appreciated.
The Designers
Four years ago, after a decade of using the traditional means of applying image to ceramics, Professor Brian Boldon, faculty in the Department of Art and Art History, investigated a new European technology which translates a digital file into ceramic enamels. In collaboration with artist/photographer Amy Baur, their company, In Plain Sight Art, has now designed and produced site-specific public art installations nationwide. Their expertise with this technology is an innovative use of photography integrating architectural materials and forming a new language for visual art in public spaces.
For Benefactors Plaza, fifty-six original designs were created for the fourteen donor recognition columns. Imagery representing the breadth of academic study and research at Michigan State University was critical to the conception of the artwork. While each face design is unique, unifying the entire site and connecting how these columns reside in the plaza was important to In Plain Sight Art. Four overriding hues were designed that reference the four seasons. In varying degrees of opacity, these tonalities of color visually connect the columns from north, south, east and west views.
Benefactors Plaza is located along the pedestrian walkway adjacent to the Old Horticulture Garden. This location has both historic context and helps fulfill a master plan recommendation for enhancing the open space along this important pedestrian corridor.
