While the Marian Library’s collections appear across campus as a visual reminder of Mary’s centrality in the founding, values, mission and operations of the University, creating a permanent display in St. Mary’s Hall was an exciting opportunity. Visitors are now met with a series of Marian Library bas-reliefs, each representing a facet of the Marianist vision and spirit and placed within “frames” reminiscent of iconic campus windows.
Central to Campus — Central to Marianist Tradition
Nearly every student, faculty member and staff member has traveled the first-floor corridor of St. Mary’s Hall since the building opened in 1871. Though nostalgic and serene, it is a vital artery on campus leading to various administrative offices such as human resources, the Office for Mission and Rector, the provost’s and president’s offices, and Flyer Student Services.
As a 1993 graduate, I often associate this hallway with lines. I have vivid memories of standing in long lines at the bursar’s office, as well as in even longer lines — often extending through two sets of doors, down the steps and into the Kennedy Union plaza — to register for classes. Recently, a new line has formed — a line of ceramic bas-reliefs created by Spanish artist Antonio de Oteiza, O.F.M. Cap., span the hallway’s west wall. Commissioned by Spanish Marianists in commemoration of the Sept. 3, 2000, beatification of Father William Joseph Chaminade, each of the nine sculptures highlights an event in Mary’s life that inspires Marianist spirituality.
