The purpose of this administrative procedure is to outline the process for donation of benches. The Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) and Maintenance and Operations (M&O) offices are responsible for bench donations and plaques.
Commemorative Bench Locations
M&O will identify potential locations for commemorative benches according to the Campus Master Plan of the college. Donors’ requests for alternative sites will be considered and subject to approval by M&O, considering maintenance and snow removal. Commemorative benches will be maintained as a memorial and may need to be relocated as the Campus Master Plan dictates.
Bench Specifications
DuMor 160 series black 6 ft. and 8 ft. benches will be the standard accepted by M&O. Donors’ requests for alternative manufacturers will be considered and subject to approval by M&O.
Procedure for Donating a Commemorative Bench
Donor will contact DAR. DAR will provide the donor with the list of acceptable locations compiled by M&O. DAR and M&O will finalize location with donor. DAR will finalize plaque inscription with donor and order the bench and plaque. DAR will receive and process gift into the Behrend Arboretum and Landscape Fund. M&O will install the bench and plaque.
Donor Gifts
Commemorative Benches
The cost of a commemorative bench and plaque is (6 ft. bench, $3,500; 8 ft. bench, $3,700), which includes bench, plaque, and installation. A 2” x 10” standard plaque insert, and plaque will be placed on the backrest of the bench to acknowledge the gift and the person(s) honored.
The plaque will be limited to:
Optional Line 1 (choose one):
- In memory of [name of the person being honored]
- To commemorate [name of the person being honored]
- In celebration of [name of the person being honored]
Optional Line 2:
- Gift of [name of individual or organization making the gift]
DAR will acknowledge gifts with a letter that expresses appreciation to the donor.
Maintenance
Commemorative benches and plaques will be maintained within M&O’s standard operating procedures for maintenance of the campus landscape. The college cannot guarantee that a commemorative bench lost to weather or campus development will be replaced. Plaques will be repaired or replaced when possible.
Records
DAR will maintain a list of commemorative benches and locations, the information inscribed on plaques, and a list of donors.
Approved September 26, 2013
Revised February 10, 2017
Revised June 17, 2021
Revised June 23, 2021
Revised February 5, 2025