This week, University of Lynchburg joins more than 50 other sites around Virginia boasting a LOVEwork sculpture.
LC is the first college in Virginia to become home to one of the artistic signs spelling “LOVE” with large letters and earning it a place on the Virginia.org LOVEwork map. The sign blends the initials “LC” with the word “LOVE” to create a version of the sign unique to the LC community. LC plans to install the sign on Wednesday at 1 p.m. near Friendship Circle at the center of the Dell.
Over the past year, Housing Coordinator Rhonda Johnson spearheaded efforts to get the sign on the LC campus. “I wholeheartedly love University of Lynchburg,” said Johnson, whose two daughters and son-in-law graduated from LC. “University of Lynchburg has amazing students, faculty and staff. I believe they all hold a special place for LC in their hearts.”
Since 2013, the Virginia Tourism Corporation has promoted the LOVEwork sculptures in connection with the Virginia is for Lovers tourism program. LC received a $1,500 grant from VTC’s LOVEwork reimbursement program to help cover the costs of site work and the formation of the sculpture.
“On behalf of Virginia Tourism, we are very excited for the newest LOVEwork at University of Lynchburg,” said Lindsey Noment, VTC’s advertising and promotions manager. “With the campus being frequented by many visitors in the central Virginia community, we were very pleased to accept the application for this LOVEwork and have been looking forward to the unveiling.”
The concept for LC’s sculpture originated with an image created by Katharine McCann, a designer for University of Lynchburg. The LC LOVE design was a hit on T-shirts. Johnson noticed the resemblance to the LOVEwork sculptures she has seen and suggested the idea of transforming the design into a large sign. Students Tim Barzditis ’13, ’16 MA, Sarah Toliver ’16, Julien Tchoukouani Sandjong, and Stormi Woltz ’16 teamed up with Johnson to seek the VTC grand and coordinated efforts on campus.
John and Laura Crank, graduates from the LC class of 1979 and owners of Richmond-based 1717 Design Group, designed the sign. Witt Masonry constructed the base and ImageBrite, Inc. fabricated the letters.
LC LOVE will be the theme of University of Lynchburg’s 2016 Homecoming on October.
