With every Spring Sing show there comes a philanthropy project to honor a notable cause. This year, the philanthropy project was chosen to honor the late Bob Lashley with $23,222 raised to help renovate the stage in Baugh Auditorium.
Spring Sing Philanthropy Director Alex Saenger said the idea to honor Lashley originally came from Staff Advisor Amanda Watson.
“Amanda Watson originally suggested the philanthropy project to me. She brought up how this was the first Spring Sing without Bob Lashley, and how it was hard not to have him a part of our team,” Saenger said. “Amanda said that the university had already started raising some money but would need help to complete the project. We decided to make the philanthropy project the Lashley Legacy Project.”
Although Lashley is no longer with us, Saenger said the stage project will serve as a reminder of Lashley and his impact on the university.
“I believe building a new stage to honor Bob Lashley will have a positive impact on the future of Oklahoma Christian by fostering a sense of community and continuity, celebrating its history and values. By encouraging a culture of gratitude and remembrance that fosters involvement and commitment, this tribute can motivate both present and future employees and students,” Saenger said. “It might also draw more activities and events, improving the campus atmosphere and possibly boosting involvement and collaboration among our community.”
In terms of a timeline for renovations to the stage, Saenger said work will likely begin in the coming months.
“I do not know the full details of the stage, however, I know that getting new curtains for the stage is definite,” Saenger said. “A lot of work needs to be done behind the scenes of the stage, which will also be worked on. We are hoping to begin working on the new stage this summer.”
Although Spring Sing is over, Saenger said she hopes the Lashley family knows how much the community continues to remember Lashley.
“It was an honor to be able to serve as the Spring Sing philanthropist,” Saenger said.“I hope that the Lashley family knows how much we, as a community, love and miss Bob Lashley.”
Spring Sing Staff Advisor Amanda Watson said updates to the stage and auditorium will take place this upcoming summer with the money raised.
“There will be lots of upgrades to existing parts of the stage and auditorium. So far we have brought all of the backstage rigging up to code,” Watson said. “New curtains have been ordered and should be installed over the summer. There are many more items on the list as money is brought in.”
With Baugh Auditorium being the main stage used for many campus events, Watson said renovating it is needed but also a symbol of Lashley’s legacy.
“The building and stage is so widely used by our campus that the upgrades are not only needed but will be a true blessing to our community as a whole since it is used by so many,” Watson said. “The dedication to Bob Lashley is a true testament to such an influential person who brought that stage to life for so many years.”
As for collaboration with students, Watson said there might be more opportunities for students to get involved in the future.
“So far the largest collaboration with students has been the Spring Sing philanthropy,” Watson said. “Maybe in the future we can find a way to get students involved.”
With any project, timelines are not always linear.
“This project is very much a work in progress,” Watson said.
All photo content for this article was provided by Aubrie Ross.
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