New Campus Sculpture Evokes Servite Tradition, Student Journey A monumental new sculpture by Omaha artist and sculptor John Lajba now graces the outside of the Mary Joy and Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center. Standing 28 feet tall and 24 feet wide, the newly commissioned work was assembled on Marian’s campus from 22 pieces comprised of textured stainless steel. Lajba designed the sculpture specifically for the performing arts center, representing the Servite tradition and a student’s four-year journey at Marian. According to Lajba, the seven stars in the sculpture represent the Seven Sorrows of Mary, a devotion of the Servants of Mary. Four of those stars are also symbols of a student’s four years at Marian. Two stars appear to be flying off the building, symbolizing a student’s upward trajectory as she launches her college career and beyond. The tails of the stars resemble a ribbon image, one that Lajba said was inspired by Marian’s crown logo. Lajba’s goal was to create a design that matches the exuberance and energy of the students, while also representing the pride and academic quality of the school. “I wanted to portray the Marian journey and whole dynamic that students are moving in their own directions in life, and the sky is the limit,” he said. “The four stars signify the changes and uncertainties in a young person’s life,” he added, “but they also represent joy in that students can grasp those uncertainties and view them as possibilities.”
“I want the students, school and Sisters to feel that the sculpture is theirs,” said Lajba. “I want them to use their own vision of the art so that it becomes something meaningful in their lives.”
Lajba’s local work’s include “Road to Omaha,” a sculpture which celebrates the NCAA Men’s College World Series, located outside TD Ameritrade Ballpark in Omaha; the World War II Memorial dedicated in 1995 in Heartland of America Park; and several sculptures found inside the Durham Museum, depicting travelers on the Union Pacific Railroad. He was also commissioned to create the life-sized bronze sculpture of the “Compassionate Christ,” the focal point in the Servants of Mary Healing Garden, and the bronze sculpture of St. Peregrine Laziosi, located in The Peregrine Chapel inside the Motherhouse. He and his wife, Bonnie are proud parents of Hannah Lajba ’14. Internationally acclaimed engineering and design firm A. Zahner, which also boasts an impressive portfolio, fabricated Lajba’s sculpture. Zahner projects include the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte and the Art Wall at Doha University in Qatar. The relief sculpture project is made possible through the generosity of Tom and Sandy Bekins of The Fred & Sally Bekins Foundation. Established in 1991, The Fred & Sally Bekins Foundation primarily funds projects that help to build a better community in the Omaha metropolitan area, such as organizations that support youth, enhance economic growth, promote education, support the arts or provide human services. The Foundation has also supported a number of flag displays, which is consistent with the founders’ values. The late Fred Bekins was a World War II veteran, and 18
the flag displays exemplify his and Sally’s pride in their country. The Foundation is comprised of Sandy Bekins Von Riesen, daughter of Fred and Sally, and other family members. Sandy serves as President. Tom and Sandy Bekins Von Riesen are the parents of Julia Von Riesen ’09, and they say her Marian experience affected their decision to fund the project. “As her parents, we were so impressed that Marian always made decisions based on what was best for the girls,” Sandy said. Julia was a member of Marian’s Select Women’s Choir and a cast member in several of Marian’s musicals, which were performed in the gym at the time. “The performing arts center is a great asset for the girls and their performances,” Sandy said. When the Von Riesens learned of the Mary Joy and Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center, they approached Marian about the need for a flag display. Because the existing building already had flags, Marian suggested the sculpture project.
“After meeting with John and learning more about the meaning of the sculpture, we decided this was a very worthwhile project,” Sandy said. Julia’s Marian journey seems to parallel Lajba’s concept.
“Everyone I encountered at Marian led by example,” Julia said. “I learned the importance of giving back to the community, how to be a compassionate person and most importantly how to be empowered as a woman, athlete and leader. The impact that Marian has made on my life is something that I would have never experienced anywhere else and that impact is something for which I will be forever grateful.” Students were asked to submit a short essay suggesting a title for the sculpture and explain why it is meaningful to them. Lajba will judge the essays and the winning title will be revealed at a dedication ceremony this spring.
Julia Von Riesen ‘09 with parents Tom and Sandy Von Riesen after the 2008 Marian fall musical “Mame.”
“I want the students, school and Sisters to feel that the sculpture is theirs,” said Lajba. “I want them to use their own vision of the art so that it becomes something meaningful in their lives.”