During the process of preparing to return the bust of Major Thomas D. Howie to the alcove in Kable Hall, a thorough inspection of the alcove revealed that some replacement is required. The two areas are the concrete pedestal that held the bust from 1947 to 1977, and the original inscribed concrete memorial on the front of the alcove beneath the pedestal. Utilizing a light grey granite will improve the readability of the inscription on the front memorial, and will add some contrast to the interior of the alcove. Initially, the SMA Alumni Association believed that the memorial could merely be cleaned and the pedestal could be patched with an epoxy material. Closer examination revealed damage - and deterioration caused by years of exposure to the elements - that made it impossible to do effective repairs. The cost of the project will be $3,000, including the memorial on the front, all engraving, the pedestal, and installation of both as well as proper placement and anchoring of the Howie bust. This fundraising effort was begun with a $1,000 gift from Hunter W. Henry, Jr., SMA `46, given with the stipulation that it has to be matched by $2,000 in donations from other SMA alumni. Those alumni who support this effort will receive formal donation receipts for a tax-deductible contribution, and know that they have helped immensely in restoring the bust to the alcove in Kable Hall, thus continuing the tradition of honoring Major Howie and also perpetuating the SMA legacy. A printable donation form is available by clicking here: ALCOVE DONATION
The area beneath the pedestal is the original inscribed concrete slab, nearly illegible now. This will be replaced with an inscribed grey granite slab of the same size with rosette mountings.
The original pedestal, made of concrete, is cracked and has been declared beyond repair. It will be replaced with a rectangular granite pedestal.