MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile invites alumni and friends to help revitalize the university’s iconic fountain sculpture by purchasing a personalized brick through the new Legacy Fountain Courtyard Brick Campaign.

New personalized bricks purchased through the fundraising campaign at umobile.edu/give will be joined with those of original donors to refurbish the brick patio around the fountain sculpture and create a new communal space known as The Legacy Fountain Courtyard.

Since its installation more than 30 years ago, the fountain sculpture created by Mobile artist Casey Downing Jr. titled “The Gift” has become an iconic campus landmark and a meaningful part of the University of Mobile experience, said Brian Boyle, vice president for advancement and a UM alumnus.

“Contributing to the restoration by purchasing a personalized brick is a way to make a permanent mark in University of Mobile history. Each brick, engraved with a name or message, not only will contribute financially to the restoration project, but also will symbolize the individual stories and connections that make the University of Mobile a remarkable place,” Boyle said.

In partnership with Miss University of Mobile 2024 AnnaKatherine Bell and her initiative, “The Growth Project,” daylilies will be planted in the area surrounding the fountain to serve as a physical reminder for students to keep growing and blooming through all seasons of life.

To purchase a personalized brick and contribute to the renovation project, visit umobile.edu/give and click on The Legacy Fountain Courtyard Brick Campaign. Up to four lines of text may be etched on a brick to be placed in The Legacy Fountain Courtyard.

The UM Classes of 2023 and 2024 have adopted the project for their senior class gifts and challenged previous classes to join in the effort. To learn more, watch a video about the project here.

Boyle said the Legacy Fountain Courtyard Brick Campaign is more than a fundraiser, “It is a call to action for all who have been part of this great institution to play a role in preserving a piece of our history.”

For more information about the campaign or other opportunities to support Christian higher education at the University of Mobile, call the Office for Advancement at 251.442.2913 or email [email protected].