Lowerre Family Gift To Marymount Manhattan College
By Dr. Pola Rosen
Picture a magnificent waterfall cascading down a stone wall, a 5,000 square foot outdoor space surrounded by trees and shrubs, rustic wooden benches and a unique division of space that permits privacy in small enclaves separated by greenery. That description partially sums up the magnificent gift of the Lowerre family to the students, community and faculty, a space where all can come together for comraderie or contemplation. Marymount Manhattan President Judson Shaver, citing the inspiration of old European monuments, spires and walls, gratefully acknowledged the transformation from a black tar paper area to the new terrace. He cited the “transcendence and beauty of space in European architecture that was recreated here.”
Other donors acknowledged were trustees who raised $6.5 million for the campaign and the challenge grant of 1.5 million from the Kresge Foundation. Speakers included New York State Assemblyman Jonathan Bing (D-Manhattan) Board of Trustees Chair Anne C. Flannery, Esq. ’73 and Campaign Chair Judith M. Carson ’03.
Paul Lowerre, Class of ’81 underscored his gratitude for the education he had received at Marymount Manhattan and for the “great things that are happening here.” He spoke eloquently of the adventures of Lord Hunt on climbing Mt. Everest and wished that all students experience “outdoor adventures as part of your life.” Clearly, the outdoor gift of the Lowerre Terrace will enhance each students’ experience and bring a sense of “adventure” as well as respite at Marymount Manhattan College.#
