The facelift of north campus continues this summer with the addition of a fountain in front of the Anderson Student Center.

Executive Director of Development Steve Hoeppner said the fountain was a part of the university’s original renovation plans.

“(The fountain is) a way to add a different and interesting feature to the new landscaping,” Hoeppner said.

Pentair Inc., a Twin Cities based water technologies company, and individual donors agreed to give an undisclosed amount of money specifically for the fountain.

“We approached Pentair Inc. first because they are well known for their water-related products and have been generous supporters of St. Thomas for many years,” Hoeppner said.

“The group would be making the contributions to St. Thomas specifically to see this project happen in honor of their friend and colleague,” Hoeppner said, “This will be a surprise for the family of the benefactor (who is now deceased), so we haven’t published his name yet.”

Graduate student and St. Thomas employee Heather Lee thinks the fountain will be a great addition to the lower quad.

“I simply am proud that a corporation like Pentair would believe in St. Thomas enough to give us money to construct a gorgeous water feature to enhance our campus,” Lee said.

But sophomore Brittany Affolter wishes the money had been donated for a different purpose.

“I think it’s nice and all; however, I wish people would donate money for more scholarships and grants,” Affolter said.

Construction manager Jim Brummer said the fountain will have a similar structure to the one located on the Minneapolis Campus.

Construction is set to finish in late July.

Caroline Rode can be reached at rode8318@stthomas.edu.