LAKELAND – Florida Southern College on Thursday dedicated the Rodda Family Plaza, a lush outdoor space that will serve as an outdoor classroom and meeting place for the College community.

“So often as we watch a garden grow and develop, it seems as if we are witnessing a miracle,” said FSC president Dr. Anne Kerr. “I believe in miracles, and I count this restoration garden project among our campus miracles.”

Designed by the Orlando landscape design firm of Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglin Inc., the plaza was built in the courtyard of the Lucius Pond Ordway Building, one of 12 structures on campus designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The original Wright-designed water feature on the north end of the courtyard has been maintained, and wide concrete steps lead down from three directions into a grassy center, creating a natural classroom venue.

The plaza’s restoration was funded by John A. Rodda, a member of the FSC board of trustees and longtime supporter of the College, to honor his family. Five family members are Florida Southern graduates, including his wife, Rebecca A. Rodda ’03; son, J. Jason Rodda ’02; daughter, Leslie Rodda Blondell ’05; daughter-in-law, Abby Johannes Rodda ’03; and son-in-law, J. Brett Blondell ’06.