International plaza to be proposed by committee

By Jonathan Sampson
Staff Reporter

House of Student Representatives Permanent Improvements committee members want to build an international plaza on campus to honor TCU’s international ties, said Chelsea Hudson, the committee’s chairwoman.

The proposed plaza will include 10 to 16 flags and a fountain or statue in honor of the Universidad de las Américas-Puebla and Kansai Gaidai University, TCU’s sister universities in Mexico and Japan, Hudson said.

She said her committee will bring the bill before the House April 24 for approval, and she said she expects representatives to approve it.

Riho Yokozawa, a freshman premajor from Japan, said the fountain is a good idea. She said one of the main problems she has faced as an international student on campus is discrimination, and she said a more visible international presence on campus might help break down that prejudice.

“If (students) will understand us more, I think their attitude will change,” she said.

Germaine Mikhail, a junior psychology major from Egypt, said she is indifferent toward the idea.

“It has a meaning, and it’s nice, but I don’t see it actually doing something,” she said.

But Mikhail said most international students would appreciate the recognition the project would bring.

“It might have a good impact on international students who are applying to TCU,” she said.

Hudson said her committee has three locations in mind for the plaza: in front of Sadler Hall, in the main entrance to campus from Stadium Drive or behind the Dee J. Kelly Alumni and Visitors Center.

Hudson said she is meeting today with Don Mills, vice chancellor for student affairs, and other TCU administrators to discuss the project and possible funding.

Hudson said the committee plans to provide $19,000 for the project, which could cost from $60,000 to $80,000. There is no source for the extra money yet, but she said she hopes the remainder of the money will come from an outside donor or the university.

“If we can have the money by next semester, then we can start building the project,” she said.

Hudson said the only major hurdles are gaining House approval and finding a donor to fund the remainder of the project. She said that if things go well, construction could begin next semester.

Jonathan Sampson
j.m.sampson@student.tcu.edu