Illinois State University workers installed a new seal on the side of the Bone Student Center in the plaza across from Milner Library. The new seal, nicknamed the Redbird Pride Project, drew on the talents of an Illinois State student.
George Barreca, a graduate student in the School of Art studying ceramics, crafted the new seal under the direction of Albion Stafford, the associate professor in the ceramics program at Illinois State’s School of Art.
“This was a great chance to give back to the university and the community I really love,” said Barreca, a third-year graduate student from Philadelphia. “I chose to come to Illinois State because the art faculty members were so welcoming, and that has held true of all the people I have met here.”
George Barreca (center), a graduate student in the School of Art, stands with School of Art Director Michael Wille (right).
Director of the School of Art Michael Wille said the work is an inspiring reminder of the dedication and talent of Illinois State’s students. “This is a wonderful legacy George will leave behind when he graduates in May,” said Wille. “And every time I walk past it, I will think of him and all the students in our incredible ceramics program.
The new seal, around five feet in diameter, replaces an old ceramic-tile seal that was a gift from the class of 1984. It came down in 2015 for refurbishing. Hanging on the side of the building for decades, workers found the long-term damage to the seal could not be repaired. The new seal hangs in the same location on the east side of Braden Auditorium at the Bone Student Center.
Steve Lancaster of Illinois State’s Facilities Management, who oversaw the placement of the new seal, said the original steel base was reused for installation.
What happens to the old seal that was donated from the class of 1984?