During Homecoming and Family Weekend, Oklahoma Wesleyan University was thrilled to welcome a new addition to the Bartlesville campus—one with an 11-foot wingspan. The Eagle statue was crafted by Scott Stearman, the Colorado-based sculptor and artist also responsible for OKWU’s “Blind Man at the Pool of Siloam” sculpture.
In addition to its obvious connection as the University’s mascot, the new eagle statue is representative of the mission and culture of OKWU. A defining verse in the OKWU community has long been Isaiah 40:31: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
The sculpture was placed between the Drake Library and Roberts Fitness Annex, and—like the Blind Man statue—faces the Lyon Chapel & Fine Arts Center’s stained glass representation of Christ.
Stearman, when tasked with the creation of this incredible piece, sculpted an eagle leaning forward, wings outstretched, poised at the moment where there is nothing left to do but take flight. And that is exactly what he has named it. “Taking Flight” was created as a reflection of Oklahoma Wesleyan’s vision, focused on Christ and taking flight toward the future.
