The DU class of 2010 wanted their gift to be completely different from that of any other senior class. Classes in the past have given the University stained glass windows, statues and even trees.
But this year’s class wanted to give something that represented their ideals and celebrated the unity and sense of community DU has given them. After surveying students to get a feel for what interested most graduates, the two Undergraduate Student Government senior senators selected just the right gift: a peace pole.
“It just seemed like the perfect choice,” says senior Sen. Tuyen Trisa Bui. “We wanted something that would be significant and contribute to the community of inclusive excellence that we strive for. The peace pole can be so many different things. It can be a place of celebration, a place of reflection, or a reminder.”
Senior Sen. Lalu Abebe also helped select the senior gift.
The seven-sided pole stands 10 feet tall and will feature the message “May peace prevail on Earth” in 10 different languages. All languages on the pole are taught at DU and include French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, English, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese.
The pole has been constructed of limestone in order to match many of the buildings currently on campus.
The peace pole will be unveiled this fall in its new home near Evans Chapel.