Illinois Wesleyan Dedicates Kemp Commencement Plaza
April 10, 2013
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BLOOMINGTON, Ill.— At a dedication ceremony today, Illinois Wesleyan University announced the naming of the commencement plaza that sits in front of the new State Farm Hall classroom building. The Glenn ‘22 and Rozanne Parker Kemp ‘27 Commencement Plaza will be the site each spring for the Wesleyan graduation ceremony. The plaza has been named in appreciation for a gift from the estate of the Kemps, which was made by their family to the University’s Transforming Lives fundraising campaign.
“The Kemp family and the Kemp Foundation have been loyal and generous supporters of Illinois Wesleyan for many years,” said President Richard F. Wilson. “We decided to take the opportunity to dedicate the commencement plaza and reveal its name on the day that the Kemp Foundation makes its annual award for teaching excellence, which took place earlier today.”
Parker Kemp, an emeritus trustee of Illinois Wesleyan and past president of the Lexington Bank, his children and their families decided that because his parents met at Wesleyan and were such loyal alumni that a gift from their estate to name the new commencement plaza would be a fitting tribute to their memory and the love they shared for Illinois Wesleyan. Parker’s children include René Shaffer, Chris Kemp, Shannon Kemp, Toni Jenkins and Nick Kemp.
In addition to Glenn and Rozanne, and Parker’s service on the University’s board of trustees, all of Rozanne’s five siblings are Illinois Wesleyan alumni, granddaughter Toni Jenkins attended the University and her daughter Mackenzie Jenkins is a member of the Class of 2016.
The Kemp Commencement Plaza will be completed and ready to welcome the class of 2013 at Commencement in the University’s 163rd Year on Sunday, May 5.
Contact: Matt Kurz (309) 556-3203