Plaza of Heroines Order Information

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By definition, heroines are women who are admired and emulated for their achievements and qualities. In all of our lives, there are women who fit this description. One of them may be your grandmother, mother, sister, wife, or daughter...your teacher, friend, or mentor...or your source of inspiration.

We show appreciation for the women most important to us in very personal ways - a kind word, a thoughtful note, a special gift. Yet time and distance may make it difficult to fully acknowledge their impact on our lives. Rarely do we have the opportunity to honor women publicly and to celebrate their lives permanently.

Now, you can honor your own heroines in a lasting and public way in the heart of Wichita State. Bricks and granite, plants and light come together in a circular space surrounding a striking sculpture of bronze.

Many elements make this place unique:

The Plaza project is open to individuals and groups to pay tribute to any woman, living or deceased.

Landscaping and a sweep of benches enhance the circular plaza, which is constructed of bricks and granite pavers engraved with the names of women honored.
The Plaza is located in an ideal area, surrounded by Ablah Library, Jabara Hall, Grace Memorial Chapel, and Clinton Hall, on the campus of Wichita State University.
A nearby touch-screen computer in the lobby of Jabara Hall displays personal histories and reflections submitted by contributors for each honoree.
A sculpture chosen expressly for installation in the Plaza – Danseuse Espagnole ("Spanish Dancer"), by Sophia Vari is a striking addition to WSU's highly regarded outdoor sculpture collection.

The Plaza of Heroines is not only a beautiful addition to the WSU campus and a welcome gathering place, but also a lasting record of women's lives. Proceeds from the Plaza project will benefit the Center for Women's Studies scholarship fund and will inspire tomorrow's heroines.

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he Plaza of Heroines at Wichita State University will forever honor the women significant to our lives and will, at the same time, create future educational opportunities for women. Proceeds from the plaza project will support the WSU Center for Women's Studies student research scholarship fund and other community outreach activities, such as Women's History Month. The Center for Women's Studies is an academic department in the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Wichita State. It is dedicated to offering educational and leadership opportunities in the classroom and in public programming. Originating from a single course in 1971, the WSU Center is one of the oldest women's studies departments in the country and is recognized as a premier, community-oriented program. Its interdisciplinary curriculum provides a balanced and comprehensive view of women in culture and society. In 1989, the Center established the Community Council, which is represented by a 24 - member Advisory Board. Made up of Wichita women leaders from all walks of life, the board works to enhance the visibility and support the mission of Women's Studies.

The Plaza of Heroines is made possible through the efforts of Advisory Board and Community Council members, Women's Studies faculty, and the WSU Endowment Association.

For more information, contact:
Liberal Arts & Sciences Development Officer
Plaza of Heroines at Wichita State University
WSU Endowment
Wichita, KS 67260-0002
316.978.3839

Choose among the following options to honor the heroines of your life:

$100 Single brick with one name
accommodates 1-2 lines of engraving with up to 12 characters per line (including spaces)
Ideal for families, groups and organizations:
$500 Medium granite paver for one or more names
accommodates 1-5 lines of engraving with up to 12 characters per line (including spaces)

$1,000 Large granite paver for one or more names
accommodates 1-11 lines of engraving with 25 characters per line, or 2 columns with 12 characters per line

$2,500 Premium Paver for one or more names
accommodates 1-11 lines of engraving with 22 characters per line, including spaces (Charactors are twice the size of the lettering on bricks and other pavers.)

The eight trees that are the focus of the Plaza landscaping are now available for tributes, which will be inscribed on bronze plaques near each tree. The donation level is $2,000. Please call the Women's Studies office (316.978.3358) to order or for more information.

Your entire gift is tax deductible.

Please call 316-978-7161 or 316-978-3358 for an order form..

Add your heroine's personal history to the Plaza collection

Once you purchase space in the Plaza, you are invited to submit a photograph* and up to two double-spaced, typewritten pages describing the life of the woman (or women) being honored. Share her personal history, her contributions, and your reasons for honoring her in the Plaza of Heroines.

A public computer, located near the Plaza, stores both the personal history of each honoree and a map indicating the location of each engraved tribute. It is possible for a woman to be honored by more than one person. All contributors and all submitted descriptions of her life will be documented. Only one brick or paver will be inscribed per woman, although she may be included in separate family or organizational listings.

*Photographs will not be returned; please record honoree's name on back of photograph.