A bronze bust of Tennessee's recently retired Lt. Gov. John Wilder was erected during a ceremony over the summer at Wilder Tower, which was formally renamed in 2003 to honor him.
The work of art recognizing Wilder's years of service to the state and contributions to The University will stand in the lobby of the building, formerly the Brister Library.
"As a lawmaker, planter and humanitarian from Fayette County, Governor Wilder has served the State of Tennessee and the Mid-South well," said U of M President Shirley Raines in a press release. "This thoughtful gift from the people of Fayette County will serve as a reminder to our students, faculty and staff, and to everyone who visits our campus, of all that Governor Wilder has done for The University of Memphis and for higher education throughout his tenure in the Tennessee legislature."
The piece is a recreation of a sculpture created three years ago by Ellen McGowan, a Fayette county artist.
McGowan said the idea to mold a sculpture honoring Wilder was conceived by Fayette County residents who brought the idea to her.
"I was asked to do it," McGowan said. "And they thought it was good. It's very statesman like."
She used a more than 1,000-year-old African method of sculpting.
McGowan molded Wilder's cast, then poured a heavy amount of wax before adding another mold. Once the second mold was placed, she then poured hot bronze onto it.
The idea for bringing a copy of the statue at The University was also supported by Fayette County residents who approached the advancement office.
"I really think he did a lot for the people of the county," McGowan said. "He helped people of all races and did as much for one race as he did for another."
Kevin Roper, the executive assistant to The University's president, for government relations, said Wilder deserved more honors and commemorations.
"He initiated a lot of our academic programs," Roper said.
Wilder helped The University create the nursing program and the law school and was also responsible for The University breaking away from the Department of Education as a governing body, which resulted in the emergence of the Tennessee Board of Regents.
In addition to Wilder's sculpture other McGowan works, span more than 50 years and include other sculptures and portraits that are displayed at Christian Brothers University.
