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Cover Story
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Changing Lives. Building Futures: The Vision
Susquehanna University's major benefactors were honored on October 29, 2006, at the dedication of the Douglas E. Arthur Plaza. Situated in the central part of campus along the path between the Degenstein Campus Center and Cunningham Center for Music and Art, the plaza recognizes members of the newly-created Susquehanna Society, benefactors who have given during their lifetime a total of $1 million or more. Included in the society's inaugural class are a number of donors who qualified with gift commitments designated to the Changing Lives, Building Futures campaign. The construction of the plaza was made possible by a gift from Lucille Arthur in honor of her husband Douglas E. Arthur '49, H'96. The ceremony not only honored his loyalty and generosity but also his memory – Arthur died in January 2006. “How fitting it is that this plaza is named for Doug Arthur,” said University President L. Jay Lemons , while addressing the crowd during the dedication ceremony. “Doug knew the importance of leadership giving, and he encouraged us to celebrate philanthropy in ways that appropriately honored our benefactors and motivated others to follow their lead.” The plaza is a circular, bluestone structure featuring a small fountain on its west side, with masonry surrounding a shooting water fountain in the center. The names of two dozen charter Susquehanna Society members are etched in the stone surfaces completing the circle. Future members of the society will be similarly recognized in the plaza. The dedication program featured remarks from representatives of Susquehanna's student, faculty, alumni and parent communities: Zachary Rahn '07, president of the Student Government Association; Jeff Whitman, associate professor of philosophy and speaker of the faculty; Jennifer Rojek '98, first vice president of the Alumni Association; and Donald and Joanne Zangara P'99, P'03, former chairs of the Parents Association. Each thanked members of the Susquehanna Society for investing in ways that have improved the university so dramatically. Rojek relayed to the crowd her first, humorous interaction with Arthur as a student when she served as a tour guide during Alumni Weekend for Arthur's group of classmates. “Somewhere between Selinsgrove Hall and the library, Doug took over the tour,” she said. During that experience and subsequent others, Arthur “inspired me to give back to Susquehanna in my own way.” “Doug would've been very proud today,” said Lucille Arthur in her remarks at the ceremony. “May the students enjoy the plaza and may it be an inspiration to others.” The charter members of the Susquehanna Society include: Douglas E. Arthur '49, H'96 and Lucille Groff Arthur; Richard E. Caruso '65 and Sally Feitig '68 Caruso; Eleanor G. Deal; Charles B. Degenstein H'82 and Lore Degenstein; The Degenstein Foundation; Samuel H. Evert H'02 and Dorothy W. Evert; Merle V. Hoover '41; Harry A. Hummel and Blanche E. Hummel; Lawrence M. Isaacs '43, H'00 and Louise Kresge '45 Isaacs H'00; Clyde H. Jacobs H'00 and Alice Ann Patterson '58 Jacobs; The Kresge Foundation; Nicholas A. Lopardo '68 and Diane Rogers Lopardo; Paul B. Lucas '28 and Helen Maxwell Lucas; Terry L. March '67 and Pauline Maurer March; Richard King Mellon Foundation; Joseph W. Silbaugh, Jr. P'04 and Ann Orsburn Silbaugh P'04 ; Eric N. Stein '69; James W. Summers '64 and Barbara Evans '65 Summers; John W. Thompson 1909; Allen C. Tressler '29; Gladys Weil; Robert F. Weis H'92 and Patricia Ross Weis; and E.E. Wissinger P'50. “Today we honor those who set the standard for philanthropy at Susquehanna,” Lemons said of the first class of the Susquehanna Society. “Without you, this place would not be what it is. Because of you, we can envision even more possibilities. And by your example, we have the courage to invite others to join your ranks.” –Joanne Marquardt '00 Troutman |
