“It’s finally home,” were the first words spoken by sculptor Jon Koehler, after helping to deliver the Alumni Association Art Gift to TJSL on Tuesday, February 5.
After two years of work, the six foot tall structure titled “Open Figure,” designed by local artist Neil Shigley, now stands at the plaza entry located on the north east side of the building.
“Designing this sculpture and seeing it go up today is truly an honor,” said Shigley. “I wanted to create a sculpture that could convey multiple levels of meaning as well as add to this beautiful building.”
The alumni association donated this piece of art to the school to commemorate the new campus. Members want current students to know that alumni are excited about their and the school’s future. This gift will act, in the everyday life of the school, as a physical symbol representing all alumni.
“Open Figure” is made of smooth cast stone and steel. “Symbolically, the weight of the stone relates to the solid foundation of knowledge students acquire while in school,” explains Shigley. “The open spaces signify being open to the challenges that lie ahead. The mass also relates to the power, strength and structure the law provides society, while the open space signifies the work that remains to be done.”
While the alumni association is now free for all graduates, at one time it was a dues-paying organization. When the switch occurred, the remaining funds were set aside to be used for a gift to the school.
Additional funds were raised by Professor Steve Semeraro who read excerpts from his award-winning short story “The Birds They Sang at the Break of Dawn” at a special reception in the 8th floor conference room Wednesday, January 23.
The Alumni Association will continue their fund raising efforts during TJSL’s Dedication Ceremony / Open House with a Silent Auction held on Thursday, February 7 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Also, donations can be sent by:
1) Sending a check to Thomas Jefferson School of Law; Development and Alumni Relations; 1155 Island Ave.; San Diego, CA 92101. Please note in the memo section that the donation is for the “Alumni Art Gift.”
2) Following this link to donate online (https://alumni.tjsl.edu/efr/index.asp). Please select the annual fund as where the gift will be directed. Then, please note in the appropriate text box (“Comments”) that your donation is for the “Alumni Art Gift.”
