August 6, 2021
Delta College unveiled a new sculpture August 5 at its Downtown Saginaw Center during a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The outdoor sculpture, titled “Preparing for Success – Opportunity,” stands nearly seven feet tall and is made of bronze. It features a male and female student, both moving and looking forward toward a door that symbolizes opportunity.
“The sculpture embodies Delta’s commitment to the arts, humanities and diversity, but it also represents the college’s dedication to putting a college education with reach of all community members,” said Dr. Jean Goodnow, president of Delta College. “I hope it inspires everyone to consider their dreams and how they can rise up to achieve them.”
As the Downtown Saginaw Center was being built in 2018, Goodnow said the college began planning for art in and around the building. The artist, Ken Newman, became connected to Delta through Mike and Sarah Jury, from Saginaw, who underwrote the cost for the sculpture.
Mike Jury said he hopes the sculpture serves as a gathering space for students – a place to ponder, rest or study.
“No matter what program a student is in, from welding to healthcare to business, we hope students see themselves in this sculpture and know that opportunity is there for them,” Jury said. “Opportunity is big for a Pioneer student, and Pioneer students go on to succeed.”
Newman, who traveled to Delta from his studio in Idaho, created the sculpture with input from Delta students who helped shape the concept for the piece.
“This sculpture is not mine alone,” Newman said. “This is a testament to work of the students and staff who assisted me throughout the process. I learned a lot from them and that’s what art is all about. My hope is that this sculpture serves as a community meeting space, for people to come together.”
The seating area that surrounds the public art piece was funded by the Patricia L. and Robert W. Grant, Jr. Endowment through the Delta College Foundation. The Grants spent their lives in the Saginaw community and they had a passion for the city, supporting youth and advancing the arts.
The outdoor sculpture is the newest art piece to join Delta’s Sculpture Walk, which was created about 10 years ago on the main campus in celebration of the college’s 50th anniversary.
Learn more about the Downtown Saginaw Center at delta.edu/locations-maps/Saginaw.
Written by Leah Twilley, Communications Specialist.