A gateway to North Campus.
Paula T. Agrusa Plaza is a pocket park located between Alfiero Center and Park Hall. Filled with flowers, benches, walking paths and café-style lighting, the plaza creates a welcoming entrance and provides outdoor learning environments and spaces for faculty, students, alumni and visitors to gather and collaborate.
The space includes a fire pit, Wi-Fi, charging stations, numerous seating options and both communal and individual furnishings. The amphitheater seating and canopy structure can serve as a flexible place to relax, a classroom with lectern or a space for speakers and larger events.
This ADA-accessible plaza operates year-round, with a snow melt system to reduce winter maintenance and lighting to extend nighttime and seasonal use, as well as features that provide shelter on windy days and shade in the summer.
Paula's Plaza, which has totally refreshed exterior spaces on both sides of Jacobs Management Center, was made possible by a gift from alumnus Russ Agrusa, BS ’76, in memory of his wife and School of Management alumna, Paula Agrusa, BS ’78.
After Paula Agrusa passed away in 2016, her husband began working with the Office of University Advancement on a way to honor his wife and the university she loved. Before Paula passed away, the couple had decided they would contribute to the School of Management to greatly improve its physical presence and provide a valued meeting place for students as they go from class to class.
The fire pit was added thanks to a gift from Bob, EMBA ’00, and Gayle Denning and Greg, BS ’82, and Joanne, BS ’82, Bauer in memory of Keith Stolzenburg — a beloved mentor, former executive in residence and dedicated School of Management alumnus — who passed away in 2020. Stolzenburg’s family — his wife, Rosanne, and children, Anna and Eric — also attended the dedication.