After 13 years, plaques that were originally sold to raise funds for the augmenting of the Grace Van Dyke Bird Library were installed April 10.
The forgotten project originated and was launched by former Bakersfield College president Rick Wright back in 1994 to celebrate the opening of the library in 1996. Plaques were sold for $1,000 each and raised $114,000, which would bare the name of the buyer.
Even though some plaques were installed on campus, others were stored in boxes and remained there until Mike Stepanovich, executive director of the BC Foundation, found them.
According to Stepanovich, some of the people who made the commitment to purchase a plaque have since passed away and were never able to see what their money paid for.
“We should honor these people who died. It seemed to me it was a shame they had not been installed,” said Stepanovich.
The last 71 plaques were installed to make a grand total of 114 plaques that may be found around campus. Those interested in purchasing a plaque may contact Stepanovich at the foundation.