By: Lily Mutai
Students walking on campus to the Hulsey Wellness Center now pass a story cast in bronze, with the center having gained a new addition to its entrance: a statue that depicts an image of Jesus joyfully running alongside two young people. The art piece is difficult to miss, as its placement is the first thing people see upon approaching the building.
Many are unaware that this statue holds historical and memorial significance. Judy Sloan, dean of the School of Health and Kinesiology, explained that this piece was Phil Garver, PhD, former dean of the department and City of Collegedale commissioner. Garver passed away recently on Sept. 2, 2025.
According to Sloan, Garver was also the visionary behind the bronze statues at the Veterans Memorial Park of Collegedale.
The artist of the sculpture, Victor Issa, was chosen for the piece in front of the Hulsey Wellness Center because of his work at the memorial park. Issa, a Lebanese immigrant, did not always believe he could be a full-time artist.
“In all my years, I had never met a working artist,” said Issa. “And it never occurred to me that I could make a living as an artist.”
It wasn’t until his college adviser at Union College (now Union Adventist University) in Lincoln, Neb. directed him to consider adding a minor in art that he realized how much joy he found in creating art. Issa ultimately graduated with a double degree in art education and music. During his schooling, he sought to further his education in sculpting; however, Union College offered no sculpting classes. Due to this, he attended the nearby University of Nebraska for a sculpting class.
“That one sculpting class generated an electrifying energy unparalleled in any other activity. I was hooked,” said Issa. “I love creating art that can be viewed from all angles. It’s much more demanding but also much more rewarding.”
After his experience, Issa focused exclusively on sculptures, beginning in 1988. He said his goal has been to capture moments and convey stories and messages through his art pieces. Issa explained that another goal is for his work to inspire deep reflection and engagement.
“I intend for my work to communicate to others, believers and non-believers, that there is a God, He is real, He loves us supremely, and He is patient,” Issa said. “And regardless of what life is offering us at any moment, we can find peace and beauty in Him.”
Garver reached out to Issa in 2012 to share his vision for the sculpture at the Hulsey Wellness Center. Issa stated that Garver wished to portray Jesus engaged with young people, joining in healthy activities and connecting with them on a personal level. For this statue, Issa reflected on Hebrews 12— a passage about living a disciplined Christian life by enduring hardship with perseverance— and completed a small sculptural study, presenting four copies to be used in the fundraising efforts for the statue. However, according to Issa, it wasn’t until last year that Dayne Grey, a former student and friend of Issa, saw the small study during a visit and learned about Garver’s vision, which then gave the project momentum. The clock was ticking, though.
“We made a valiant effort to complete the work before Dr. Garver’s passing,” said Issa. “Sadly, we missed it by a few weeks. But I’m thrilled that the vision is now complete, and I trust it will be a great blessing to many in the years to come.”
Giselle Hasel, an associate professor at the School of Visual Arts and Design and curator of the John C. Williams Gallery, learned about the upcoming installation and invited the artist to display his work at the gallery, according to Issa. Hasel also asked him to conduct a workshop for the School of Visual Arts.
Southern students have expressed varied reactions to the piece.
“My first impression was, ‘Why is there a big crowd of people blocking my way into the gym?’” said Aly Lopes, a senior history education major.
Lopes questioned the intention behind this piece, believing that the money allocated to this project could have been used for other campus issues, such as parking, housing or increasing student wages.
Maiah Swaisgood, a sophomore nursing major, shared the same initial confusion as Lopes, but ultimately, she developed had an appreciation for the piece.
“Once I got closer, I appreciated the look on the runners’ and Jesus’ faces. The tenderness and love with which Jesus looked upon them and the admiration with which they looked at Jesus were truly inspirational.”
According to Sloan, the sculpture will remain an inspiration.
“It is the desire of the School of Health and Kinesiology that this sculpture will inspire all who see it to run the race before us with endurance,” said Sloan, “just as Garver did.”
