By John Baker Brown, Emory Campus Life

“The thirteen stars above symbolize the journey of the thirteen African American students who integrated Emory University in 1962 and 1963.”

The 13 stars are incorporated into a beam over the main entrance to the new Campus Life Pavilion. The words are inscribed for posterity on a cast-aluminum plaque mounted on a granite wall at the base of the new facility, which will be formally dedicated on October 20, during homecoming.

The message on the plaque also explains that the Black Student Alliance (BSA) House was located on the same site from 1986 to 2011. Established in 1969 by Emory University, the house occupied several campus locations over the years.

The statement concludes: “We honor the legacy of the courageous students who helped to integrate Emory, those who have inhabited the BSA House over the years, and the countless others who have contributed so richly to the polycultural community that is Emory today.”

According to a second plaque, inset in the walkway of the main entrance: “The steel beam above and many wooden elements of the ceiling” were structural components of the BSA House, “incorporated to help carry forward the spirit” of that earlier structure.

“Emory University today, a little more than half a century after the first 13 black studentsarrived, is recognized as one of the nation’s most diverse university campuses," says Dean of Campus Life Ajay Nair. "That may be the greatest tribute to those students and their successors, who represent the rich tapestry of the world’s people and cultures.”
 
The pavilion, which opened last year, will be formally dedicated during homecoming weekend on Friday, October 20, in a ceremony and reception from 7 to 9 p.m. The pavilion is located at 716 Peavine Creek Dr.

The event will feature remarks by Nair and President Claire Sterk, a presentation by Emory students, and a performance by the vocal group Voices. Food and drinks will be served.

Students, staff, faculty, and their non-alumni guests should register for the Pavilion Dedication at:
https://emorydar.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_71WlWUAlmf1psUJ

Alumni should register for Homecoming 2017 at: http://www.alumni.emory.edu/events/homecoming/index.html