Madigan Library Campaign
Dedication, September 12, 2006
REMARKS BY JAMES RIEDEL, STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
Thank you Dr. Gilmour. It’s not every day that a student has the opportunity to take part in the dedication of a building as magnificent as the Roger and Peggy Madigan Library. I am honored to be here to represent all Penn College students today. On Jan. 6, 2005, we broke ground where you stand today and watched as this new library took form. I remember passing everyday and seeing the almost unreal evolution of this structure. Now less than two years later, we once again raised the bar and set a path for an even brighter Penn College future.
Many students have already explored the vast collections of resources available, but if you have not, I urge you to set aside an entire day, because it’s possible you may get lost. For us, the students of Penn College, this library is a gift. For 86.5 hours a week, it is a second home with 1,000 seats, a gourmet coffee house, and a breath taking art gallery. There is not a single thing more we could have wanted. We are always comparing the new and the old libraries and the first thing I hear students remark about is the incredible feeling of spaciousness in the new one. I would say that it is like the open space in our minds that needs to be filled with information. The Madigan Library offers us the ability to seek that information and gain knowledge that we will use now and throughout our lives. We ARE truly empowered to become life-long learners.
This library is a gift as much as it is a result of our perseverance. Last year, student organizations heard a call to raise funds and support the library campaign. Our answer was the single largest donation ever made by students and today you will find their legacy in the tables and benches that greet you at the entrances to this tranquil retreat. I am glad to be part of a student body that cares enough about their educational advancement to help make this campaign a reality.
One year ago today, Dr. Gilmour stood before us and told us to mark another milestone along the journey that will take us to this wonderful new library. I would say that the journey has come to an end, and it has been well worth the wait. I find it difficult to think back to a time when this was only a blank canvas of open green space – Now, The Madigan Library is a vivid and vibrant work of art that stands as the forefront of our image to all who pass by and is yet another achievement on the already distinguished list of reasons to be Penn College proud.
To all of those who dedicated themselves to the success of this library I would like to extend a well deserved thank you on behalf of the entire student body.
Today, we dedicate and welcome, with open arms, to the Penn College family, the Roger and Peggy Madigan Library!!