On September 17, Grand View’s community unveiled the Jensen Bridge that connects the Student center to the Rasmussen building.
For the past years the university has strived for innovation and creation that now mirror the progress of the campus. The bridge not only symbolizes the passage over the route, but a transition to new beginnings.
President Kent Henning introduced the bridge in various openings as a symbolic connector to different sides of the campus.
“This is sort of the last piece of the puzzle, connecting these two buildings and connecting these two sides of campus,” Henning said.
Henning advocates the community aspect and has worked very hard on incorporating more fellowship throughout the campus. The university has developed and increased, but East 14th street has been a barrier for students and the community. Henning said that the street has been divisive both physical and physiologically.
Students believe the bridge provides a safer way to cross the street. The bridge is a comfortable transition for the students and the cross traffic.
Joel Timmons, business administration sophomore is thrilled with the new bridge and looks forward to “sky-walking over traffic.”
The bridge is not only for safe crossing and community union for the campus, but to recognize the Rasmussen family. The bridge’s title honors all of the funds and hard work the Rasmussen and Jensen family have provided for the university. By naming it the Jensen Bridge, the campus is showing gratitude for the structure built by Jensen Construction who specializes in building bridges.
“There is some symbolic nature of the Rasmussen family and the Jensen family who have been a part of Grand View for four generations,” Henning said, “They have always been very generous over the years.”
Kurt’s father, a Rasmussen, and his mother, a former Jensen, met at Grand View University and demonstrate the symbolic joining of the past and present for new beginnings.
“I am very, very proud I think that the leadership of the university has made this happen,” Kurt Rasmussen said, “It has been a needed bridge for a long time and it’s finally a reality and I cannot, not think that the students will love walking across this bridge, especially in the winter time,” Kurt Rasmussen said.
Lynette Rasmussen said happiness was running through her mind when she watched the unveiling.
“I think this is kind of the pinnacle of campus, the student center is the heart and this will take you over to academics and it is the perfect way to go to college,” Lynette Rasmussen said.