Walking the path of reflection

In the early 1990s, Donald “Pat” Vieten ’57 kept having the same vivid dream—a breathtaking, world-class labyrinth emerging in Redlands. Little did he know that this vision, shared by many, would take shape through the dedication of individuals like Evelyn Ifft, Bob ’56, and Marion Wiens ’57. Their efforts culminated in the creation of the Labyrinth at Memorial Chapel, officially dedicated on January 21, 2005, in honor of Duane and Patricia Hester Black through a gift led by their daughter, Darcy Black Kopcho. Now, two decades later, the Bulldog community has come together once more, honoring its rich history and significance during MLK Week (January 20-24).

“Our goals were many including using the site as a place of gathering, meditation-prayer, and creativity in every way,” Vieten recalled. “Music, poetry, inner and outer healing can occur as well as laughing, crying, singing, and creative movement. It is a place for true spiritual balancing and the strengthening of wholeness for each of us.”

An invocation from U of R Chaplain Emeritus Rev. John Walsh was followed by a meditation led by Rev. Dr. Darrell Wesley of Redlands First United Methodist Church, reflecting on the teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“The only thing we have in common is that we are part of the human family,” Wesley said. “We must walk together to ensure that all members of our family can enjoy freedom and justice, end poverty and bigotry, and improve the well-being of all people.”

The Labyrinth serves as a “dedicated space for reflection and community,” said Jamison Stevens '22, '24, assistant director of development. Collaborating with the MLK Steering Committee and Professor Lillian Larsen, steward of the Meditation Room, Stevens said the celebration reflected efforts to preserve the space over the last two decades, including help from Wiens, an original Labyrinth steering committee member and donor. Recently, Wiens contributed to improve the landscaping and refurbish the space, continuing its preservation and upholding its legacy and impact.

“The labyrinth is a source of quiet reflection for me and has been important in times of joy and sorrow,” Wiens said. “My connection to U of R is indeed deep, enduring, and I'm grateful that any group or individual that needs a place to reflect on constructive, compassionate, peaceful intentions and actions can see the Labyrinth as an aid to their process.”