Colorado Mesa unveils sculpture honoring Mary Rait

Colorado Mesa University unveiled a bronze sculpture of Mary Rait on April 10 during the school's 101st anniversary; the work by Scott Shaffer sits on a bench outside the Moss Performing Arts Center.

Colorado Mesa University unveiled a bronze sculpture of Mary Rait on April 10, the university's 101st anniversary. The statue sits cross-legged on a bench outside the newly renovated Moss Performing Arts Center on the CMU campus. Artist Scott Shaffer created the piece, and university leaders and trustees attended the unveiling. Mary Rait was one of the first professors when the school opened in 1925 and later served as Dean of Women and as one of Colorado's early female college vice presidents. Key details: - The unveiling took place April 10, coinciding with Colorado Mesa University's 101st anniversary. - The bronze sculpture by Scott Shaffer depicts Mary Rait seated cross-legged on a bench outside the Moss Performing Arts Center. - Attendees included CMU president John Marshall, president emeritus Tim Foster, board chair Tim Fry, trustee Lena Elliott, and the artist Scott Shaffer. - Mary Rait joined the college faculty when it opened in 1925, became Dean of Women in 1933, and was named a vice president in 1937; a dormitory complex bears her name. - Don MacKendrick, a former educator and student of Rait, was honored but could not attend and sent his regards; Lena Elliott sat beside the sculpture and was photographed with it. Summary: The sculpture provides a visible recognition of Mary Rait's long association with the institution and highlights early contributors to the college's development. Undetermined at this time.