Thanks to the generosity of Agnes and Roger Ware, members of the West Chester University Class of 1982, the gateway to campus has been transformed and the borough of West Chester is now even more engaging.

Located at the northwest corner of High Street and Rosedale Avenue, The Roger and Agnes Ware Plaza, which features a president’s walk and a fountain that illuminates in the evening, has been formally dedicated by the WCU community and members of the Ware family.

The metamorphosis at WCU was five years in the making and began with an epiphany that Roger Ware had on what he called a rainy and sleepless night in Georgia.

“When I awoke the next morning, I informed my wife, Agnes, about my idea for a fountain project for the university,” he said, with more than 75 students, faculty, staff, family, and friends gathered at the new Plaza. “Her response was, ‘If that is what you want, make it happen.’ Today is the day that I have literally been dreaming about.”

Ware said that he discussed his idea with President Chris Fiorentino, and the two made plans to include the new entrance in the university’s landscape improvement plans.

“We also discussed that studies show that when prospective students visit a campus for the first time, they usually know within the first 10 minutes if that campus feels like home,” said Ware. “Agnes and I hope that this Plaza and fountain is enjoyed by students, faculty, and staff for years to come. We wanted a space to be the first spot a new prospective student would see when visiting, a place to take family photos, graduation pictures, a place to relax, and enjoy this beautiful campus and city.”

As the university celebrates its 150th anniversary, The Roger and Agnes Ware Plaza is the icing on the birthday cake.

“Thanks to Roger and Agnes, this incredible new gateway welcomes the arrival of all to campus and to the borough of West Chester,” said Fiorentino. “We at this university are grateful for your generous support throughout the years and for conceptualizing this magnificent space and being its visionary. As West Chester University celebrates its sesquicentennial, this Plaza truly reflects our new beginning.”

Learn more about West Chester University.