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Historic Sculpture Dedicated at Hofstra University
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Hofstra University in conjunction with the Hofstra University Museum dedicated a new sculpture, Frederick Douglass Circle, on October 29, 2008, at the Monroe Lecture Center Courtyard, South Campus.
“The drive for this sculpture came from a student referendum several years ago encouraging the University to invest in artwork that reflected the diversity of our campus,” said President Rabinowitz. “Several individual students also came to speak to me to express their concerns over the statue of Thomas Jefferson on [the north] campus and the lack of any on-campus sculpture that celebrated diversity.”
In response to these requests, a committee was formed to select a sculpture that should be added to the campus to address diversity and the accomplishments of people of color. The committee, as part of its yearlong process, recommended a national competition that produced 26 submissions, resulting in five strong sculptural works by nationally recognized artists whose works were displayed in the Axinn Library for comments by the Hofstra community. Ultimately, Frederick Douglass Circle was chosen by President Rabinowitz based on recommendations from Hofstra University Museum Director Beth Levinthal ’73, ’75; Provost Herman Berliner; and students.
“This singular outdoor sculpture cast in bronze, by the African American artist Vinnie Bagwell, commemorates one of the most prominent figures in African American and United States history, who was a steadfast believer in the equality of all people,” said Ms. Levinthal. “Frederick Douglass Circle adds to the scope and significance of the Museum’s outdoor sculpture collection while it reaffirms Hofstra’s commitment to its diverse campus community.”
Students had an instrumental role in the selection of the work, and they felt that Frederick Douglass Circle should be the first sculpture with the theme of diversity to be placed on the Hofstra campus.
The Hofstra University Museum has been awarded the highest honor a museum can receive, continued accreditation by the American Association of Museums (AAM). Approximately 5 percent of museums nationwide have earned this distinguished recognition.
