On the first day of classes, the University unveiled the lion icon statue that sits in the newly built plaza in front of Billingsly.

The bronze lion statue stands 10 feet tall and 12 feet in length and sits facing the intersection at Newman and Duquesne. A 5,400-square-foot plaza that features a graduated wall, ground pavers and new seating and lighting surrounds it.The statue was designed by Brian Hanlon of Hanlon Sculpture Studio in Toms River, N.J.

The project was funded by Student Senate and alumni Bill and Tracy Gipson.

“I have heard positive things about the lion statue, especially now that we have it, instead of it being in the conceptual stage,” Noah Triplett, Student Senate President said.

Last semester, the senate spent many hours discussing, debating and planning to spend funds on the lion icon. The senate had been saving money for a few years to devote to such a project. Senate donated $40,000 to the project.

The proposal made by Ryan Prisock, last semester’s Capitol Improvements chairman, stated that the statue would “provide a powerful, physical representation of the University’s goals to provide a campus environment that inspires pride and fidelity in its student body.”

“It isn’t just a statue,” Dr. Alan Marble, Interim University President said. “To me, it’s a representation of how everyone on this campus should be. We should all have our heads up and shoulders back because we should be proud. This is a great place to be.”

The lion icon statue will serve as a symbol for alumni, students and future students to all generations.

“The lion is the next big step symbolically for the University to take on it’s journey to becoming nationally respected,” Triplett said. “I’m glad that students and alumni alike finally have an iconic place to take commemorative photos.”