The area around the circle of granite benches honoring Siena’s transformative donors has been upgraded to make it a more welcoming space for the campus community.
The Ring of Honor in the academic quad now features stone benches with landscaping, lighting, and a larger paved area, according to Kelly Clarke-Harrington, director of facilities design and construction.
“It was designed to become a gathering place for the campus,” she said. “It will be a destination, not just something you walk by.”
The stone on the benches matches the benches at the Grotto, and the concrete paving stones match those at the nearby Nigro Family Plaza.
“We’re developing a more consistent palette of materials across campus to create a strong landscape style, complementing our existing architectural character.”
In addition, new trees have been planted in the area, which will have time to mature as the older trees in the quad are starting to age and need replacement. The paving around the inner circle of 22 granite benches was regraded to better shed water and minimize ice formation in the winter.
The project began in early June and finished on schedule last week.
The Ring of Honor was originally dedicated in September 2016 to honor donors who have gifted more than $1 million to the College.
“This is a special place where our community can be reminded of the generosity that founded Siena and continues to sustain it year after year,” said Brad Bodmer ’82 Esq., assistant vice president for development and alumni engagement. “It is wonderful to see our students enjoy the Ring of Honor and it’s satisfying to know this place at the heart of our beloved campus will continue to grow as a gathering place for all.”