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The College honored the memory of Daniel Patrick O’Neil ’06 by dedicating the newly renovated plaza located in front of Colton Chapel in his name.
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O’Neil, who graduated May 2006 with a B.S. in civil engineering, lost his life in the shootings at Virginia Tech April 16, 2007.
A dedication ceremony for the Dan O’Neil Plaza was held Nov. 11. President Daniel Weiss performed the formal dedication. O’Neil’s parents, William and Jeanne, were in attendance.
Renovations to the plaza, which is home to the Daniel Chester French statue of the Marquis de Lafayette, were completed just in time for the College’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Marquis’ birth Sept. 6. The bronze statue was fully refurbished and a new fountain, a flagstone patio, attractive wood benches, and landscaping were added. The project came about due to the generous support of Jere G. Oren ’50 in memory of his parents, Samuel and Sophie.
Following the ceremony was the fifth annual “Afternoon of A Cappella” concert in the Williams Center for the Arts. The concert, presented by the Arts Society, benefited the Daniel P. O’Neil ’06 Memorial Fund and Friends of Lafayette Music. The College’s four student-led a cappella vocal groups (Cadence, Chorduroys, Quintessence, Soulfege) performed along with guest ensembles from other schools. O’Neil, who was very involved with the Arts Society, served as master of ceremonies for two of the annual concerts.
The Daniel P. O’Neil ’06 Memorial Fund supports senior projects in engineering, with preference to civil engineering majors and those who are active in the arts on campus. To contribute, checks should be made to “Lafayette College” with “O’Neil Memorial Fund” in the memo field and mailed to: Development Office, Lafayette College, 307 Markle Hall, Easton, PA 18042. Contributions can also be made on the Annual Fund web site.