La Vista (French for The Vision) is the name of Dr. Cubert Smith's
22 foot sculpture that stands between Hamblin Hall and the Drain-Jordan Library. It symbolizes the
first thirty years of integration at the college. "La Vista is a gift to the college," Dr. Smith said.
"It represents the first integrated class of 1954 at State college of which I was a member."
Dr. Smith was a professor of art, at State College when he got the idea for the sculpture. He mentioned the
idea to President Cole, then got approval from the Pride and Presevation Committee, and on May 23, 1985, began
work on the sculpture in Jones Hall (sculpture lab). With the help of five art students: Mary Helton, Sharon
Hatcher, Kay McCallister, Barbara Johnson and Seigle Parks, it was complete by October, and erected on
Good Friday.
"Everything is in threes," Dr. Smith explained. "Each step is a decade. Society is
also moving toward complete integration of women and the elderly," he added. "We still have a bit yet to do."
The continued developing of both individuals and society is symbolized by the incomplete aluminum disk on
the sculpture. In each, about two-thirds of the circle is complete, with the remaining one-third slightly
offset-as if they are in the process of being complete.
The sculpture is made of formed concrete
and aluminum, and each piece of the sculpture weighs four tons.
La Vista 2 
