Between the construction of Mulvane Science Hall and the previous construction on Denious Hall, students, staff and faculty are used to the construction that has been going on around campus.

Since April 16, there has been an additional project added to Baker’s renovation list.

Roger Boyd, director of natural areas and emeritus professor of biology, along with his son, Jonathan, and wife, Mary, have been installing stone steps in Hartley Plaza outside of Harter Union.

The Boyd family has been a part of renovations on campus with donations made to Mulvane Science Hall, and now the family is dedicated to bettering campus one step further by building the stone wall and steps outside the union.

“It didn’t have any grass on this hill; it was eroding away and the side of the concrete was exposed,” Roger said. “We knew maintenance has got more things than they can accomplish as is.”

Jonathan Boyd was hired in 2004 as the head landscaper for Baker. He then transferred to working with his father on the wetlands restoration project in 2009. Jonathan has been a part of building several structures on campus and water control structures for the wetlands.

“He has had a lot of experience with this,” Roger said. “I thought it was a skill we could share with the campus, and so I made the proposal to (University President Pat) Long.”

The family started on the project last week and has been working to finish. Along with the steps being built, there is a possibility of the statue in the center of the plaza being moved and seating areas for students being put in its place.

The Boyds wanted to provide a place that can be available for students to come and eat lunch outside or a place for outside classes when weather permits it.

Many students were unaware of this project until the Boyd family began its work.

“I had no idea it was going to change like it is. It looks great in my opinion,” junior Caleb Watts said.

Mary Boyd has worked at Baker before and is volunteering her time to help with the project.

“I just want the kids to enjoy the area, and this will make a big difference,” Mary said. “I thought it was a really great idea.”

The Boyd family has given many things to the university. The Ivan L. Boyd Center for Collaborative Science Education was named after Roger’s father, who taught at Baker for 41 years.

“We have a long history with Baker,” Roger said. “We just kind of live and breathe Baker.