Physical resources completed construction of the Lunsford trailhead project on Dec. 7.

Part of Campus Court was closed during the completion of the project, named The Ascension. Surrounded by large limestone blocks, the focal point of The Ascension is a large bronze sculpture depicting the ascension of Jesus as per Luke 24:50-51, created by Utah artist Dee Jay Bawden. Numerous verses are engraved on the blocks, including John 14:6; Matthew 25:34; John 14:3; 1 Peter 1:3-4; Ephesians 1:7; and John 3:16. The trailhead is located near Sewell Theatre.

Richard Lunsford graduated from ACU in 1955. He and his family provided the necessary contributions to complete the trailhead. The family was also responsible for the Lunsford Foundation Trail, which opened in 2006. Dotted with scriptures, the trail is approximately two miles long and encircles campus.

Additionally, the Lunsford family dedicated the Quiet Place rooms in both the Mabee Business Building and in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building in 1986 and 1989 respectively. Dr. Phil Schubert, university president, said he appreciates the Lunsfords and their contributions to ACU.

“I am grateful to the Lunsfords for their thoughtful generosity. They have made a significant mark on ACU for three decades with their deep concern for the scriptural nature of our lives,” Schubert said in an email to faculty, staff and students. “It brings them great joy to see us–and visitors to campus–using and benefiting from contemplative spaces designed to bring people closer to God.”

Emanuel Ornelas, sophomore vocational missions major from Denver, said he initially mistook the statue for Moses or Noah, and that many of the scriptural choices confused him.

“It does have an abundance of Scripture, but the verses don’t seem to mean anything,” Ornelas said. “It’s nice on the aesthetic point of view.”