West Virginia University will officially dedicate the Raymond J. Lane Park at Statler Wilson Commons – an attractive green space adjacent to The Erickson Alumni Center – at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 14.

The seven-acre park features lighted walking paths, a pedestrian bridge, benches and grass lawns. Additionally, the park has been beautifully landscaped with native vegetation, including more than 7,000 flowers, plants, shrubs and trees.

Lane Park, named in honor of WVU distinguished alumnus and donor Ray Lane, provides a wonderful outdoor setting for alumni, visitors and students. It will also serve as a welcoming front door to the WVU campus.

“This beautiful park will be a picturesque place for our alumni, students and the community to enjoy,” said Stephen L. Douglas, president and CEO of the WVU Alumni Association.

“Alumni and friends are anxious for the dedication so that they can take advantage of this wonderful green space.”

The park dedication will also include an unveiling of “From the Mountain,” a 14-foot tall bronze statue created by WVU alumnus Burl Jones. A gift from Verl Purdy, also a distinguished alumnus, the statue showcases the rich history of WVU and features a mountain with five life-size figures, each of which Jones described as symbolizing different aspects of the University’s proud heritage.

A Mountaineer sits majestically atop the statue, depicting the WVU mascot throughout history.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of both Ray Lane and Verl Purdy. These additions, made possible by their gifts, truly make The Erickson Alumni Center a unique showplace for our great University,” said Wayne King, president and CEO of the WVU Foundation.

Raymond J. Lane Park was designed by Woolpert Inc., a nationally recognized landscape architectural firm, and is located just off University Avenue and Van Voorhis Road near the entrance to The Erickson Alumni Center.

WVU alumni Andrew Pack and Kenn Bullock oversaw the project.

WVU President Jim Clements, Ray Lane and other dignitaries will offer brief remarks during Friday’s event in the park, with a reception to follow at The Erickson Alumni Center.

For more information about the park, please visit http://alumni.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

tec/05/06/10

CONTACT: Tara Curtis, WVU Alumni Association
304-293-0972, tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu

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