The Black & Magenta Blog

Students often joke that they never want to leave college. Construction of a columbarium, underway on campus might provide the opportunity for former students, faculty and staff to fulfill those wishes.

The columbarium, being built on the hillside below the Library, offers a memorial wall with niches in which to inter the ashes of those who have opted for cremation. Use of the columbarium will generally be reserved for alumni, full-time degree-seeking students, faculty and staff, trustees, and retirees.

“The Muskingum campus is a place that many alumni call ‘home,’” explained Carson Walburn, vice president for institutional advancement at Muskingum. “The Muskingum University Columbarium provides a final resting place for those alumni.”

The word “columbarium” comes from the Latin word, “columbary,” the dwelling place of a dove, which Christians believe is the symbol of the Holy Spirit.

The structure is being built of sandstone, granite, and brick and features a wall, about five feet high, composed of individual niches that can accommodate up to two urns. Each niche will be engraved with the individuals’ names. The area around the columbarium will offer space for reflection and meditation.

In addition to Muskingum, a handful of universities and colleges have followed the practice of churches in offering columbaria. The University of Richmond, University of Virginia, The Citadel, Notre Dame University, Hendrix College, Centre College, and Chapman University have built columbaria.

A niche at Muskingum can be purchased at any time. The current purchase price of a full niche is $4,000 and a partial niche is $2,000. Muskingum University owns the property and assumes the responsibility of perpetual care for the columbarium. For more information, contact Muskingum’s Office of Institutional Advancement at 740-826-8130.

Dr. William Schlacks, professor of music and chair of the music department, passed away this morning. Thoughts and condolences can be left in the comments section below. Look for more information on the life and legacy of Dr. Schlacks in the first, Fall 2009 edition of the B&M.

Muskingum President Dr. Anne C. Steele sent the following to students today:

To: Muskingum University students
Fm: Anne C. Steele

With profound sadness and deepest grief, I am writing to let you know that Dr. William Schlacks, The Ruth Dorsey Neptune Distinguished Professor of Music, passed away this morning. Dr. Schlacks inspired us all. He was a truly gifted educator and renowned musician. Please keep his wife Mary, daughters Erin and Samantha, and the entire Schlacks’ family in your prayers.

Our Chaplain, Rev. Will Mullins and our University Counselor, Ms. Tracy Bugglin, will be available in the Chapel and in the Top of the Center this afternoon. Please know that all of  our faculty and staff are here to help you in any way they can.

If you hadn’t heard yet, “Muskingum College” is now “Muskingum University,” as the Times Recorder reported. If you haven’t already, you’ll be receiving correspondence from the college at some point with the new name. Muskingum President Anne Steele also has released a statement discussing the name change.

Changing a name, in that respect, is expensive. Think of all the different things that have the word “college.” How is all of that being paid for? We’ll try and find out after we all return.

Muskingum administrators first indicated their interest in name change last October, when the B&M covered Malone’s name change. Additional stories from local media sources can be found here and here.

Recently I received news of the death of Amy Adams, a junior here at Muskingum. Though I never knew her very well, my interactions with her, albeit limited, were nonetheless memorable.

Every Sunday when I would walk into the Kelly Coffeehouse for Mass, she would always be there with a smile on her face, ready and willing to help out in any capacity. I myself simply wanted to get through the service so I could back to dorm room and goof around before starting on my homework much later in the evening. Despite my grumblings, I never saw her once complain, gripe, or beg for more than any had ever given. Instead, she sang along with the psalms, and offered her services for any sort of need in our small congregation with her steadfast piety and humility.

To Amy’s family, I would just like to say Amy was an amazing person, and easily a role model for anyone, Christian or otherwise. She certainly inspired me to give more and be more than any inspirational speaker or story ever had. You will be in my thoughts and prayers and I wish you well these next few months. Having had lost a much younger brother six years ago, I know from experience just how hard the first few months may be.

To Amy’s friends, I offer my time and a sympathetic ear should they ever desire it. My e-mail is listed on the directory, and my Facebook account is open to any and all.

R.I.P. Amy Adams. You will be missed.