New Lindsey Wilson College Fugitte Science Center - Finished

By: Dr. Phil Aaron

The stained glass window in Lindsey Wilson College's Fugitte Science Center is finally finished. And it is magnificent! Really quite awesome! With input from the science  faculty, Columbia Artisans Margaret "Peggy" Swayze and her daughter Jan designed and installed the  windows which cover an entire wall of the first floor library The stained glass structure's installation was delayed in part because of the death of Peggy's husband, Lewis, a retired Atlanta architect.

"When LWC's science faculty was brainstorming for ideas on the window various important discoveries in science were discussed. The spectrum spans modern medical technology (MRIs and CAT scans), outer space (planetariums and rocket ships), lasers and molecular biology.

All these scenes are overseen by a dove representing the ever presence of God. One panel depicts the famous double helix of DNA, the genetic blueprint for life. This sketch is perhaps the most famous well known breakthrough in science; it marks the discovery of how genetic information is stored and passed from generation to generation.

The artist who first drew the double helix was Odile Crick, wife of Francis H. Crick who with James D. Watson won the Nobel Prize for medicine in 1962. Mrs. Crick died recently at age 86. Her sketch has come to symbolize man's discovery of the biological basis of life.

The stained glass window can be viewed at any time the Fugitte Center is open. With Lindsey back in session in late August the center is open day and night since many of the student study rooms and learning resource areas are in this space. But one word to the visiting viewer: plan to spend at least one half hour or more. The artists Swayze have created a work of art worth visiting and revisiting. Every time one views and revisits this beautiful window something is seen which was missed earlier.