A groundbreaking ceremony ushered in the upcoming construction of Auburn University’s new National Pan-Hellenic Council Legacy Plaza Friday afternoon. The plaza will honor National Pan-Hellenic Council member organizations and celebrate African American culture at Auburn.
The ceremony, held near the Edge at Central Dining on Auburn's campus, included remarks from University officials and others involved with the project. For those who could not attend in person, the University offered a live broadcast.
The creation of the plaza, approved by the Board of Trustees in July 2020, is headed by Auburn's chapter of the NPHC — which represents the nation's Black Greek organizations — and the Student Government Association, with the support of the Board of Trustees. NPHC, Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council chapters and Auburn alumni provided financial support for the project.
The goal of the landmark is to commemorate Black student organizations on Auburn’s campus.
“It is our strong hope that the Legacy Plaza will continue to unite us in celebration of the significant contributions of minority students at Auburn University,” said Jackson Thomas, NPHC president and junior in supply management at Auburn.
The NPHC Legacy Plaza is one of the first physical representations of the contribution of Black student organizations on Auburn University’s campus. It will serve as a space to cultivate the spirit of inclusion and diversity at Auburn, officials said.
The plaza will include one marker for each of the nine organizations that make up the NPHC. There will also be one central commemorative marker that explains the plaza’s representation and recognizes the project’s donors.
Auburn University currently hosts five NPHC member organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.
“This legacy plaza is for the betterment of Auburn and the betterment of minority students on the campus for years to come,” Thomas said.
The plaza was originally proposed by SGA in a resolution in December 2018. Dane Block, who was president of SGA when the resolution passed, attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
Construction of the plaza is expected to begin in 2022. The plaza will be erected in front of the Academic Classroom and Laboratory Complex, which is expected to be completed in spring 2022, and will border an open lawn with a naturally landscaped terrace. The space will serve as an outdoor venue for informal gatherings and events.
In the spirit of community, the plaza will be open to all students and student organizations.
“To quote Dr. Gogue … this is the very definition of a great day in the life of Auburn University,” said Bobby Woodard, senior vice president for Student Affairs at Auburn University.
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Catherine Haynes, junior in journalism, is the opinion editor for the Auburn Plainsman.
