Centennial Gate is a bronze arch created by Steve Smith '74 of Ney, Ohio. Described as an architectural structure, the work reflects aspects of the Bluffton campus - the woods, Riley Creek and hills. Noting that his work generally reflects some aspect of the positive or negative results in contact between man and nature, Smith writes that the history of service and moral responsibility he learned at Bluffton have always been major positive influences in his life.
"On the architectural shape, the number of graduates and the graduation years form a visual texture through the flowing natural forms. 1974 is listed twice because it's my year. I couldn't resist," said Smith.
Smith earned both a master of arts and a master of fine arts from Bowling Green State University. He has been a professor of art at Defiance College since 1980.
