Firstenburg Family Fountain

The fountain was funded by Ed and Mary Firstenburg,^[1][2] who donated $500,000.^[3] The fountain has basalt columns and slabs,^[3] and is one of several donated by the Firstenburgs in Vancouver.^[4] The fountain won a Community Pride Design Award in 2001.^[3]

Hal Dengerink, WSU Vancouver's founding chancellor, called the fountain "a permanent legacy for the Firstenburg family and for WSU Vancouver".^[3] The Columbian's Calley Hair has described the fountain as "eye-catching, with rough-hewn slabs of basalt and plenty of seating to relax and enjoy the view".^[4]

In 2011, students gathered at the fountain to protest tuition increases.^[5] The plaza was the site of a Patriot Prayer rally and counter protest in October 2018.^[6][7][8]