Construction on the large, stone plaza given as this year’s senior gift is expected to begin in the middle of June.

The placement of plant life around the plaza will not start until the end of the summer. Construction has been delayed due to the overflow of the building’s construction footing.The dedication ceremony is set for early fall. The senior gift has been one of the biggest projects for Senior Challenge, an organization that began last semester to better aid seniors in preparing for graduation.

“We’ve been working on (the plaza) for about a year,” said Aaron Davis, senior class president and founder of Senior Challenge.

The university contributed $20,000 toward the project to match the $20,000 raised by the senior class. However, the senior class barely beat the deadline set by the university. Even with money coming in toward the project, the total had not been met with only a few days remaining until the end of the school year. During the last days before the deadline, the final amount came in the mail.

The senior class also set up volunteer programs to aid in fundraising by talking to local businesses and organizations. Members of the class coordinated the services of volunteer students in return for an agreed donation toward the senior project when the student volunteer fulfilled his duties. “A lot of hard work has gone into (the gift), and we are excited about the finalization of the Senior Class project of 2000-2001,” said David Ross, the vice chair of Senior Challenge.

He and Davis place most of the congratulations toward the students.

“I’d like to thank the seniors most of all. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible. Thank you, guys,” Ross said.

The large, scenic plaza will be built in the middle of the campus commons area between the Social and Behavioral Science Building and University Union.

The circular shaped plaza has seating areas on both sides of the semi-circle, and it is partially surrounded by a stone wall. The UNC Willmington logo will be placed on a stone as a landmark for the university.

To one side of the seating area, a six-foot peace pole will rise to the air. The pole was suggested by Adrien Lopez, upcoming student body president. It will read, “May peace prevail,” on all four sides. Additionally, the quote will be placed in four foreign languages on each side of the pole. The plaza was chosen as the senior gift because it would be an easily accessible location to shoot pictures for students and visitors, since there are few photographic spots on campus that include the UNCW logo, Davis said. Additionally, it can be used as a study area.

“I believe (the plaza) will make the commons feel more intimate and personable,” Davis said.