Located behind Fell Hall in the former Rambo House location.
The plaza serves as a place that unites Redbirds in times of celebration, sorrow, hope, and friendship.
Meet me at the Bird
-
A unifying emblem of pride
The bricked plaza, located where Rambo House once stood, became a reality through the Student Government Association and a gift from the estate of Judith “Jude” Boyer, M.A. ’68. Boyer was a leader in Student Affairs for many years, retiring as vice president of the Division in 2000.
Boyer advocated for students for 32 years, giving them a voice and encouraging them to use their own. She was Illinois State’s first affirmative action officer for women, a strong proponent of student leadership programs and an advisor for numerous student organizations. The plaza serves in her honor as a place that unites Redbirds in times of celebration, sorrow, hope, and friendship. -
Once a Redbird, Always a Redbird
The key feature of the plaza is a bronze statue of the Redbird mascot. Sculpted by local artist Rick Harney ’86, the bust is approximately 54 inches tall. Assistant Professor Randy Reid, ’87, MFA ’96, fabricated the 350-pound base from sheet bronze. The height was chosen for accessibility to anyone who’d like to rub the beak —which is a common Redbird tradition.
