Dr. Timothy Bisping (right) and Norman Schippers stand next to a recently unveiled sculpture outside the McGee Business Building on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University. Schippers, a 1990 graduate of SFA, donated the sculpture to the college to represent its “Learn, Launch, Lead” mission statement.
Made possible by a donation from Norman Schippers, a 1990 graduate of the college and current Executive Advisory Board member, the sculpture is eight-feet tall and stands directly outside the front entrance of the building with a purple arrow pointing up and away from the building. The structure is a representation of the mission statement of the college.
“Implementing our Learn, Launch, Lead mission has been transformational for the college, and this sculpture serves both as a testament to its success and its visual representation to all who pass by our building,” said Dr. Timothy Bisping, dean of the college. “We are so grateful to Mr. Schippers for donating this beautiful piece to the college.”
As an SFA student, Schippers was a member of the Lumberjack Basketball team. After a successful consulting career, he founded Alodia Sports Academy in 2008 with a goal of developing a new generation of leaders through sports. According to its website, the organization offers a safe environment where children can experience the joy of competition and learn the true meaning of sportsmanship.
The sculpture was crafted by local artist Jeffie Brewer, a former SFA faculty member in the school of art. With a five-month construction timeline, the artwork will help reinforce the college’s mission both locally and outside of East Texas.
“I am honored to give back to Stephen F. Austin State University and the Rusche College of Business,” Schippers said. “The education I received at SFA was instrumental in allowing me to launch into my professional career and various leadership roles. I’m pleased to support Dr. Bisping’s vision for this project, in which the sculpture serves as a daily reminder of the powerful mission statement and an opportunity for students to capture photos and create lasting memories.”
To learn more about the College of Business, visit sfasu.edu/business.
By Kevin Meyer, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
