by Greg MacDonald
Staff Writer
Imagine driving down Arrow Highway in a new car, complete with a University of La Verne Alumni license plate frame, sometime after graduation, when an illuminated sign brightens the street. It reads, “University of La Verne: Home of the Leopards.”
That image becomes a reality for the class of 1997.
The Senior Class Gift Committee, comprised of Stephanie Carson, Javier Harvin, Shannon McCrea, Juan Pablo Miramontes and Amber Rodriguez, has organized the restoration of the back of the football scoreboard, facing Arrow Highway, as this year’s class gift to ULV.
The marquee will be located on the south side of the football field. It will boast a painted leopard head and will read, “University of La Verne: Home of the Leopards.” “Class of 1997” will be on the sign showing who donated the gift.
“The University could use the lighting. The sign is not only good for the football field but also good for the school,” said McCrea.
The lights on the scoreboard were not originally in the plans. But the added feature, which raised the senior class’ bill to $1,200, will make the marquee more presentable to passing motorists. To date, more than $600 has been raised.
“This is a continuation of a tradition that was recreated in 1988,” said Mark Bagley, director of development.
That tradition is in its 10th year with no sign of slowing down. This was not the case in the 1960s and the 1970s, according to Bagley, when senior gifts were few and far between.
“This is a good thing to do. We hope to keep it going; so far, so good,” said Bagley.
The gift was originally scheduled to be unveiled at the graduation ceremonies this year, but plans have moved the target date to sometime this summer.
“The feedback from seniors has been good, especially in regard to the sporting events,” said Rodriguez. “[The sign] will provide a good name for the campus.”
