Missouri Western State University will formally unveil a new outdoor sculpture commissioned for the University’s Centennial celebration at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12 in front of Eder Hall. A brief reception will follow in the Eder Hall lobby. The event is free and open to the public.
The sculpture designed by Beth Nybeck is titled “The Next 100 Years…” It is an abstract representation of Missouri Western’s mascot, the Griffon. Nybeck’s design was selected by a campus committee from a field of 82 entries from five states.
“Our Griffon mascot was selected by students in 1918 because a Griffon is a mythological guardian of treasure, and those students believed that education was a precious treasure,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. “I hope this amazing sculpture reminds everyone coming on to our beautiful campus that we remain committed to imparting the precious treasure of education.”
The stainless steel sculpture is 12 feet tall and weighs approximately 600 pounds, and will rest on a pedestal that is four feet tall.
Nybeck received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the University of Northern Iowa. She lives and works in the Crossroads Arts District located in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri. Nybeck believes that artwork has the ability to influence people, communities, and the world at large, and has worked collaboratively on projects both in the public and private sector. Her sculptures can be found across the country, including Florida, California, New Jersey, Tennessee, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and more.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.