Gordon Parks bust finds home in RSC
"I felt it important that the bust of Mr. Parks be placed where it could be a part of the daily lives of our students, and the current location is certainly a prominent and 'high traffic' area," said Ted Ayres, vice president and general counsel.
"Additionally, and sentimentally, the Fireplace Lounge has been the setting for a number of events and activities initiated by the university to honor and celebrate the life of this famous Kansan and creative genius, i.e., the event marking the first anniversary of Mr. Parks' death where students, administrators and community members read the poetry and works of Mr. Parks and the celebration of the life of Mr. Parks and his birthday in November of 2007, which was also concurrent with the forwarding of the university's proposal to the Parks Foundation to obtain the collected papers of Mr. Parks. In view of all this, the Fireplace Lounge seemed the perfect location," said Ayres.
"The Rhatigan Student Center is honored to have received the sculpture of Gordon Parks on permanent loan," said Maria Ciski, RSC reservations manager. "It will be prominently displayed in the newly remodeled Fireplace Lounge for guests to enjoy. As a native Kansan and recipient of the 1991 Wichita State University President's Award, Gordon Parks has been an inspiration to our university community. We hope this gift will continue to inspire future students."