By Steve Babcock

The Student Government Association is set to unveil a plaque within days that will dedicate and name their Senate Chambers, located at 333 Curry Student Center, after departing university Vice President of Student Affairs Karen Rigg. The dedication comes in the wake of much fanfare for Rigg’s 14-year career, which officially ended when she retired at the end of the summer quarter. SGA President Michael Romano, who was one of a few student government leaders to draft and pass an SGA initiative allowing for the dedication, said that Rigg’s imprint on the university was surely “lasting.” “There is no emblem more indicative of service to students than the Senate Chambers,” said Romano. “Karen Rigg’s contribution to the student center and the student body has left an unparalleled history. It is with great honor that we dedicate the Senate Chambers to the great champion of students.” Over her 14-year career, Rigg was responsible for shaping the student affairs division as it currently exists — a link between students and administration that is in place to speak for the student body. From her post, Rigg was also instrumental in securing the funding and support necessary to renovate the student center, then known as the Ell Student Center, into the existing Curry building that has become such a center of campus activity. But, Rigg left perhaps the most impact on the people she met with her graceful, encouraging demeanor, according to those close to her. “She is always a source of strength, she’s always telling you that you can do it,” said former SGA President Richard Schwabacher last winter upon learning of Rigg’s retirement. “She is a constant reminder, like a really warm breeze in the middle of the winter reminding you that summer is coming.” To approve construction of the plaque, SGA’s executive board first drew up an initiative describing the dedication. Then, late last year, the Student Center Governing Board, which was then chaired by Romano, approved plans for the dedication and the construction of the plaque. After receiving the plaque, a work order was placed a couple weeks ago. When a work order was not responded to as quickly as Rigg would have liked this summer, there was initial fear that money would have to be raised in the form of an endowment for the dedication. However, those close to the issue, including Student Center Director Gail Olyha, were quick to put aside the possible controversy this week. “[The fact that the plaque is not up yet] is a function of the busy schedule of this time of year,” Olyha said. “No money [is needed].” According to the university’s department of operations, the work order will be responded to within the next couple days, making it in time for SGA’s first official meeting next Thursday. There will be no official ceremony to unveil the plaque, but Romano said he hoped that the memory of Rigg’s work would last beyond this year. “This should be a testament not only this year, but in every year to come that Karen Rigg’s imprint on this university was lasting,” he said.