Earlier this week, Renison dedicated a new garden space, the Bryant Stone Garden. The garden features three large granite stones, and is found within the larger One Sky Garden located between Renison’s Founders Building and the School of Social Work. Darrol and Susan Bryant were both in attendance, along with approximately 75 Renison community members, including staff, faculty, and students.
Renison President Wendy Fletcher began the proceedings by talking about the enduring commitment of the Bryants to Renison. Their history with Renison spans decades; Darrol was a Professor of Religion and Culture as well as the Director of Renison’s Centre for Dialogue and Spirituality in the World’s Religions, and Susan taught English at Renison for 25 years, and both have spent years tending Renison’s gardens.
After hearing words from the Bryants, attendees were invited to leave a stone within the garden and choose a bracelet with a green Renison stone as a memento of their time at Renison and the impact that each has on the community. This served as the inaugural Renison stone ceremony, which will be repeated with each cohort of students who pass through Renison. After releasing their stone into the Bryant Stone Garden, students will be invited to choose a stone bracelet as a reminder of their Renison journey and mark the beginning of the next stage of their journey.
Above: Renison community members place their stones in the garden before choosing a bracelet.
Above: Each attendee was invited to choose a bracelet after placing their stone in the garden. Bracelets varied slightly in size and style, and each person was encouraged to take one that resonated with them.
Those who wish to visit the newly dedicated Bryant Stone Garden can do so by going through the doors in the Rees Lounge, just outside of the School of Social Work.