The College’s Quaker values have resonated throughout the campus community and students’ WC experience for generations. In response to this time-honored tradition, the Class of 1973 initiated a drive to install a physical manifestation of these Quaker “SPICES” with a pair of Quaker Testimony Gardens on campus.
The College staged a ceremonial groundbreaking during the 1960s/70s Decades Alumni Reunion on June 21. A ribbon-cutting ceremony formally opening the gardens is planned for Homecoming in late September.
The SPICES include simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship. The Class of ‘73’s vision for their 50-year reunion gift features a series of intimate, park-like settings — with benches, brick pavers, stonework and landscaping. It is designed so that students, alumni and others on campus can enjoy a welcoming and easily accessible setting for relaxation and reflection upon the values and associated testimonies. A goal of the gardens is to challenge students to live the College’s values as they embark upon lives of service and success and to make positive contributions to their professions and communities.
PICTURED conducting the groundbreaking ceremony are, from the left, President Corey Cockerill and Testimony Committee members David Castro, Forry Eisenhart, Elizabeth Haskins, Jacqueline Quay, Campus Minister Nancy McCormick and Dale Molnar.
Alumnus Dale Molnar, a member of the Class of ’75 and a nationally renowned artist, designed the gardens. “The Gardens represent a quiet space to center and encounter the Testimonies,” he said. “It’s an outreach from the school’s Quaker heritage to everyone on campus.”
Jackie Martin Quay ’73, another member of the organizing committee, said the gardens provide an especially appropriate class gift. “While I was a student at WC, the testimonies resounded with me and have served to influence my life ever since,” she said. “May the gardens impact future generations.”
The Quaker Testimony Gardens will feature two independent installations juxtaposed in a relatively close proximity on the campus between Watson Library and Boyd Cultural Arts Center. One garden will feature the values of equality, integrity, stewardship and community, while the other one highlights peace and simplicity. An explanation of the value/testimony will be featured in the respective installations.
Another committee member, Forey Eisenhart ’73, at the groundbreaking, lauded the “tenacity” of David Castro ’73, who suggested the Testimony Gardens as his class’s gift to the College, recognizing the 50th anniversary of their graduation. Over the past two and a half years, Castro helped raise funds and awareness for the project. “I applaud the spirit of leadership he brought to the process.”
President Corey Cockerill said, “The Testimony Gardens connect perfectly with the College’s Quaker values, and to have a place where we can bask in that is amazing. I appreciate this group so much and their passion and love manifested through the garden.”