The Southern

Issue date: 10/25/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Adrienne Twinem Frank Lloyd Wright's vision for the Florida Southern Water Dome was finally realized as the fountains were turned on last night, Oct. 25

Media Credit: Leona Mynes A ground view of the Water Dome

Media Credit: Katie Ingley The Water Dome starts to flow

Media Credit: Ryan Donovan Many spectators celebrate while waiting for the Water Dome fountains to be turned on last night, Oct. 25

It was a dream come true. The 45-foot water dome that Frank Lloyd Wright dreamed of for the Florida Southern Campus is finally a reality.

Hundreds of people were in attendance to watch the world premiere of Wright's water dome, but only after an entire day filled with activities leading up to the grand event. Students and guests alike were treated with a delicious dinner catered by Olive Garden where everyone also had the opportunity to have their picture taken with Frank Lloyd Wright himself - or a cardboard cutout - or to win one of many raffle prizes. Many students all took advantage of the music and had a fun time while they danced in the sprinkling rain.

After dinner the festivities shifted to the area outside of the Roux Library where a ferris wheel was set to take people above the height of the water dome, which offered a spectacular view.

Freshman Sam Mattell stated, "The view from the ferris wheel was amazing. It was a lot more impressive from above."

As the night went on, Dr. Anne Kerr, president, and many others were on hand to say a few words prior to the official world premiere of the much-anticipated water dome.

Jasmaine Malcolm, a freshman student, stated, "It brought so many people together as a community. It was great to see the water dome bridging the gap between students, faculty, and the community."

Kiersten Taylor, Mariah Kell, Devon Koutsourais, Megan Roche, and Stephanie Meyers, group of visiting students from Clearwater and Largo High Schools collectively stated, "It was really cool how the whole school was there and how they came together as one big family."

The event was finally fulfilled when the 74 jets propelled their water into the sky impressing all those in attendance. Micheline Wilson, a visitor to the campus said, "It was fabulous. I was excited to see something nowhere else in the world." Dr. Anne Kerr stated, "This is the culmination of a dream that started 69 years ago. We are grateful to the alumni and trustees that made this possible for our campus. It is a symbol of the excellence of this institution and it is wonderful to have the architecture that makes it one of the most distinct in the world."

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