Intersection of peace: Heidelberg dedicates new labyrinth

Members of the Heidelberg community were joined by community friends to form a symbolic circle – a moment to connect with each other – as the university dedicated its new labyrinth on Wednesday.

Although weather forced the ceremony indoors, spirits were high and sentiments of gratitude were freely flowing.

The labyrinth project was conceived by Dr. DoHee Kim-Appel, professor of Graduate Counseling. It is intended as a place where anyone can visit to quiet the mind, renew balance and encourage mediction and self-reflection. DoHee reached out to several local faith-based and community organizations who graciously provided funding for the $55,400 project, which was completed earlier this semester.

“DoHee delivered a prophecy of inspiration. She told me this was going to happen awhile ago and now she has delivered on her prophecy,” said President Rob Huntington in his welcoming remarks. “Now, when people gather here, they will feel it too.”

In addition to thanking key donors, Rob noted that the labyrinth, in combination with the newly dedicated Tangeman Veterans Memorial, “is a very, very special place of peace for all” with different but connected messages and opportunities for guests and visitors.

Creation of the labyrinth was a joint venture funded by the Meshech Frost Trust ($25,400), the White Family Charitable Fund of the Tiffin Community Foundation ($10,000), the Donald D. Lynch Family Foundation ($9,500), Heidelberg’s Religious Life Fund ($5,000), the Sisters of St. Francis ($500), Drs. DoHee Kim-Appel & Jonathan Appel ($2,500) and Dr. Dawn Henry and Attorney Dean Henry ($2,500).

In her remarks, DoHee thanked each of the collaborators – those who provided funding and a long list of Heidelberg colleagues who partnered with her to support the project from beginning to end.

Jodie Reinbolt, executive director of the Tiffin Community Foundation, noted in her community response that the foundation is always looking for opportunities to support the well-being of the community and college students as well. “We were happy to be a part of this project,” she said, noting that she walked the labyrinth’s path for the first time in September.

Senior Sarah Jewell (voice) and sophomore MaKenzie Wohlford (flute) performed two lovely selections during the dedication.

As participants gathered in a circle, connected by an orange ribbon, Sister Leanne Kerschner delivered a poignant blessing and giving thanks for the “sacred path” that welcomes the community to a place to find the peace we seek.