We all remember our days on the Carolina campus differently. To some, the essence of Carolina is the Old Well--our strongest visual symbol. To some, afternoons under the pines in Kenan Stadium or the dimming of the lights in Carmichael Auditorium or the Smith Center pull our heartstrings. To most who were a part of the Carolina family in the 60s, 70s and 80s, benches scattered around the quads offered places to sit and reflect on our classes; to enjoy our friends; to engage in debate with our teachers and mentors; or simply to rest after walking from class to class.
We invite you to help us re-create that environment on campus. The benches which used to be such a vital part of campus no longer exist, and we think we need them! You can help–and in doing so, place a lasting memory on our campus.
Why?
In spring 1997, Chancellor Michael Hooker convened a task force to report on the state of the intellectual climate on campus. One of the recommendations was that the environment that once invited informal discussions in our beautiful outdoor space be enhanced by re-introducing benches around campus.
Need ideas?
Honor your graduating son or daughter or grandchild; the mentor who guided you through your college or work experience; a friend or family member you love; an outstanding teacher who gave you an enthusiasm for a subject you never imagined you would like; a retiree; an athlete, or an award winner. Give a bench as a memorial to someone. Gather colleagues in your department, fraternity brothers or sorority sisters, or members of your local alumni chapter together to contribute jointly to a bench. The plaque can have the organization's name or the name of someone the organization wants to honor or remember. Short quotes can be engraved, as well. If you need more ideas or want to talk about possibilities, contact us! We would be happy to talk to you personally or to your group.
You may also make a smaller contribution to the fund to join others in placing benches around campus.
Funds collected will include the cost of the bench, an engraved plaque with your message, the cost of installing it securely, and an additional amount to be used for yearly maintenance.
What will they look like?
The wooden benches will be scattered around campus, near classrooms, dorms, and other high-activity areas. Each will will have a plaque engraved with your message. There are opportunities for groups of benches as well as individual ones. We encourage groups to consider collecting from members to purchase either an individual bench or a collective outdoor discussion area.
Please contact Beth Braxton at 962-4388 for more information about how you can contribute a bench to our campus.
Last updated 3 April 2008 (changed contact name), evans@unc.edu