Groups raise $25K for Honor Plaza
November 9, 2009 by RYAN BURLE
Filed under News
The ever-evolving architectural landscape around Tate II will change again with the construction of the $25,000 Sphinx Honor Plaza.
The plaza will feature an inlaid depiction of the Arch – the dual representation of the University and the State of Georgia. Nine large granite blocks will spiral out from the center Arch design, representing the nine organizations involved with the project.
To qualify for inclusion within the plaza, organizations had to possess several qualities.
“They are University-wide, representing a significant portion of the student body,” said Raj Shah, president of the Sphinx Club. “Additionally, they have an established history at the University of at least 20 years and are generally recognized as a significant honor. Finally, leadership and service to the University are central to membership selection.”
Sphinx – the oldest honorary society at the University – recognizes students, staff and alumni who have made significant contributions to the University, state and nation.
“When Sphinx was deciding to create this honor plaza, we wanted other organizations to get involved,” Shah said. Sphinx also footed most of the $25,000 bill.
Either other organizations qualified to be part of the Honor Plaza. The organizations are Alpha Zeta, AGHON, Blue Key Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, Order of Omega, Dean William Tate Honor Society and The Arch Society.
The Sphinx Honor Society is the oldest organization being enshrined, having been established on campus in 1896.
“Sphinx is the highest academic honor on the University,” said Shah.
“There have been only 600 members on campus since its induction, with six to eight members inducted every year.”
The plaza’s placement is also noted for its location between the Zell Miller Learning Center and the Tate Student Center. Dean William Tate and Senator Zell Miller are both alumni of Sphinx.
“I think the leadership recognition project that we dedicate today is an indication of the leadership quality we have at the University of Georgia today,” University President Michael Adams said at the plaza dedication Friday.
The dedication was held on a particularly opportune weekend for the groups. Not only were increased numbers of alumni in town for Homecoming, but it was also a reunion weekend of Sphinx.
“One third of all living [Sphinx] members came this weekend to support the plaza,” Shah said, noting the reunion weekends are only held every 10 to 12 years.
“This was part of the original design for Tate II,” said Rodney Bennett, vice president of student affairs and Dean of Students said.
Bennett is the student adviser for Sphinx, as well as an honorary member.
Other organizations will have the opportunity to have their names added to the plaza once they have met the stated guidelines.
“After organizations are here for 20-years and have shown dedication to leadership on campus can they become part of the circle,” Bennett said.
Shah said that they hope to add a kiosk to the Tate Student Center that will provide information about the organizations honored as well as a list of current members and how to become members.
He said he hopes that the plaza will inspire current and future students to get involved and become student leaders.
“We hope this will encourage students to learn about these organizations and also get students involved,” he said, adding the plaza will be complete by the end of the year.
