EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University celebrates the installation of two new sculptures on campus, created by sculptor Benjamin Victor and made possible by the generosity of GameAbove, an alumni-led philanthropic group advancing academic and athletic programs. The sculptures, titled “Engineered Technology” and “Interaction,” are located outside of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology and are open to the public to view and enjoy. These sculptures are among the new features incorporated into the recently established GameAbove park and outdoor event space on campus.

“We are thrilled to welcome these two new sculptures by Benjamin Victor,” said EMU President James Smith. “These sculptures are not only beautiful works of art, but they also speak to the core values of our university: innovation, collaboration, and community. We thank GameAbove for supporting this project and their commitment to the community.”

“Engineered Technology,” located in the circle drive in front of Sill Hall, is an interplay of light and shadow. With its geometric shapes that become more scattered toward the top, it represents the modern world and how technology has transformed it. 

“Interaction,” located on the hill outside of Sill Hall, features a rectangular arrangement that rises harmoniously, capturing the viewer's attention as it spirals upward. The addition of an orb provides a unique touch, drawing the eye deeper into the composition and offering a refreshing contrast. Working through each of the concepts and ideas with GameAbove, Victor was inspired by the EMU GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology architecture and his years of experience working with engineering. 

“We are proud to support the installation of these two new sculptures outside the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology at Eastern Michigan University,” said GameAbove President and EMU alumnus Chao Sun. “These pieces by Benjamin Victor beautifully complement the vision and values of the College. GameAbove aims to advance engineering and technology programs at EMU that provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in these critical fields. We hope having these sculptures situated by the College will further inspire students to push boundaries, collaborate, and make discoveries that better our world."

Installing the two new sculptures is part of EMU’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the campus environment and providing students with opportunities to engage with art and culture. The university’s public art collection includes a variety of sculptures, murals, and other works by internationally recognized artists.

“I am incredibly honored to have my artwork displayed on campus at Eastern Michigan University,” said Benjamin Victor. “Creating the two sculptures that are placed near the Game Above College of Engineering and Technology has been a particularly creative and rewarding experience. I enjoyed thinking about the concepts and ideas behind each of the works and working with GameAbove to distill those concepts into aesthetic elements that will enrich the environment on campus for years to come.”

Victor also created the George Gervin statue outside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. The campus community and other spectators celebrated the installation in September. For more information about sculptor Benjamin Victor and his work, visit his website.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.

About GameAbove
GameAbove at EMU's primary focus is to help shape, inspire and support the current and future students at Eastern Michigan University by reaching new heights in learning through transformation and inspiration in the educational experience. GameAbove aspires to help improve the higher education experience by exploring and supporting innovative financial models to sustain universities, enhancing the campus environment, elevating athletics, promoting pioneering academic programs, and creative giving within the community. To learn more, visit gameabove.com.

About the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology
The GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology provides world-class experiences in engineering, technology, cybersecurity, autonomous vehicles, drone technology, gaming, aviation, and other areas of study in high-demand career fields. It is within the college’s mission to cultivate individuals' intellectual and personal growth through research-informed education and diverse programs that emphasize the practical application of scientific knowledge. For more information about the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, visit the college’s website at gameabove.emich.edu.