The University Plaza Project commemorating the five phases of Missouri Western’s development from Junior college to University is expected to be completed between the first and second week of May.

The Plaza, a gift from the John B. and Julia Comello Charitable Trust, was given in their memory and in recognition of the James B. Kelley family of St. Joseph.

With the majority of the base work completed, officials at Western are awaiting the arrival of the 10-foot tall bronze griffon sculpture to arrive from artists in Thailand before it can be finished. The plaza includes a water feature that flows out of the monument into a pool and will stand 18-feet tall from tip to base.

“We would like our spring graduates to be able to take pictures by it and enjoy it before they leave,” said Gerry Pickman, director of development.

Members of the Kelley family include James and Jean Kelley; their children, Jeanie Grahl ‘72, Molly Pierce ‘77, Chris Kelley ’86; and their granddaughter, Kelley Meirose ’99.

The University Plaza is located on the east side of the campus in front of the Nelle Blum Student Union. The centerpiece of the Plaza will feature a large bronze griffon statue. The black, granite base will have five plaques with the five names of the instiution since it began in 1915.