Stephen F Austin State University - Stone Fort Yearbook (Nacogdoches, TX)

Page 11 text:

Greg Patterson The 1 1 foot 2 inch statue was designed and sculpted by artist Richard MacDonald. funel Hurtsvh Stephen F. Austin, the University ' s namesake, stands proud atop the Lone Star of Texas. SFA statue - 7

Page 10 text:

SFA erects statue Governor White does dedication The dedication of the Stephen Fuller Austin statue was held in front of Steen Library prior to Home- coming festivities. Governor Mark White, presented a speech in honor of the University. After Gov. White ' s speech, the statue foun- tain and lights were turned on officially. The Stephen Fuller Austin statue, built in the honor of the University ' s namesake, stands 11 feet 2 inches tall and weights 4000 pounds. The statue was built by Richard MacDonald, a renowned sculptor from California. Mr. MacDonald entered a competition to build the statue along with 180 other applicants for the grand prize of $100,000. The competition was headed by SFA General Counsel Robert Provan. The statue, which presides in front of the Steen Library, depicts Stephen Fuller Austin, a Texas statesman, standing atop the Lone Star of Texas emerging from a rock as wa- ter flows down the sides. This statue illustrates Austin ' s efforts to change a rough civilization into a successful and bright future. The statue, which has a bronze coating, should last about 5000 years, according to Mr. MacDonald. The statue was forged in about 40 to 50 pieces and later assembled, with the final polishing being completed after the statue arrived on the SFA campus. Greg Patterson The Stephen Fuller Austin statue arrives on the campus of SFA September 17, 1986. Speeches were made in honor of the statue and University. Greg Patterson Viewers observe the unveiling of the ' statue. 6 - SFA statue

Page 12 text:

President excels Ten good years Stephen F. Austin State University ' s fourth president, Dr. William R. Johnson, celebrated the 10th anniver- sary of his inauguration. President Johnson is a distinguished teacher, writer, and administrator. His publications include a book and several articles on American history. He holds a bachelor ' s and a master ' s degree from the University of Houston and a Ph.D. degree from the University of Oklahoma. At the time of his appointment for the presidency of the university, he was Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculties at Texas Tech. A president of a university has the responsibilty for overall leadership in the institution and for creating a sense of order to guide the institution toward its estab- lished objectives. Furthermore, he must focus attention on educational issues as well as deal with a wide variety of matters, including financial management and public relations. President Johnson ended his inauguration speech by stating, Today, I join the regents, the faculty, the students, the alumni association, this city, and other friends and supporters of Stephen F. Austin State University in the continuing effort to make this university an even more ef- fective center of learning. May God bless our labors. Janet Bartsch President Johnson poses in front of his home away from home , the Aus- tin building. [unef Bartsch President Johnson poses at his command post, his office desk. 8 - President Johnson