Commons Flag Terrace Reminds Students of Sacrifices Made and Aspirations for the Future

Oct 18, 2016

Members of the University community gathered for a First Flag Raising Ceremony of the newly constructed Commons Flag Terrace, which included a blessing offered by University of Scranton President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J.

At the ceremony, Father Quinn stated that the new construction expresses the University’s strategic plan to provide students with a “transformational experience that is engaged, integrated and global.”

“I would propose that the values that are at the foundation of our strategic plan are symbolized in this new gathering point on the University’s Commons. Here not only do we provide an opportunity for members of our community to gather, but to learn from one another and share their Scranton experiences,” said Father Quinn at the ceremony. “In addition, it is important that we place these flags at the center of our campus.  Foremost is our country’s flag. It symbolizes the freedom we celebrate daily and the obligation we have as citizens to nurture that freedom and pass it to future generations.”

He also thanked members of the campus community who have served in the military for their service to the county.

As ROTC cadets raised the American, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and University of Scranton flags on the terrace, University senior Patrick May of Landsdale sang “The Star Spangled Banner.” James Devers, associate vice president for facilities and operations, also spoke at the ceremony.

The construction, most of which was completed during the summer months, created a circular plaza at the base of the University’s Commons near St. Thomas Hall and the Weinberg Memorial Library. The Commons Flag Terrace includes seating areas, lighting, landscaping and an archway in addition to flagpoles. Consistent with landscaping elsewhere on campus, the project incorporates bluestone and granite pavers with intermittent, low limestone seating walls. The design also integrates into the seating walls the existing statue of Christ the Teacher.

The project is a continuation of the University’s campus renovations, which include replacing aging z-brick pathways with safer bluestone walkways edged with granite pavers and stamped concrete in select areas.

University of Scranton ROTC cadets participated in the First Flag Raising Ceremony for the newly constructed Commons Flag Terrace. First row, from left: Owen Drozd of Easton, a sophomore majoring in biology; Jason Palauskas of Scranton, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice; Sarah Thomas of Hamilton Square, New Jersey, a senior majoring in biology; and Lindsay Clifford of Monroe, New York, a junior majoring in nursing. Back row: Shane Schmauder of Quakertown, a junior majoring in political science; and Jibrael Roberson of Montclair, New Jersey, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice.

University of Scranton President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., blesses the Commons Flag Terrace at the ceremony.



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