Designed specifically for the patio of the Science Complex in 1971, Alan Collins' 22-foot sculpture Regeneration exudes life and energy. The sculpture was created as a complement to the rectilinear architecture of the Science Complex, and incorporates ideas central to the work of the Christian scientist. The looping, curving ribbon resembles the joining and division of molecules, the intricately twisted DNA molecule, or the form of a mandorla, a medieval symbol of Jesus Christ. At no point does the ribbon ever touch itself in its course, suggesting the course of life. The four forms extending out to passersby represent the four primitive elements--earth, air, water and fire--in subject (horizontal) forms at Jesus' Second coming. The sculpture's completion was scheduled to coincide with the dedication of the Science Complex, but unavoidable delays pushed its display to fall of 1975. After the 22-foot-high model was completed, two faculty and a student worker spent most of the summer of 1975 computing the amount of steel rebar needed to reinforce the sculpture. Just less than two miles of steel rebar wind throughout Regeneration , covered by 60 tons of concrete. Collins' work can be found throughout the United States and Great Britain. He received the Sir Otto Beit Medal for his stone sculptures at Guildford Cathedral in England. When the citizens of England donated land at Runnymeade in memorial of John F. Kennedy, he was commissioned to inscribe the memorial. His sculptures grace the General Conference headquarters of the Trans-Europe division in St. Albans, England, and various Adventist universities, as well as commissioned pieces for churches, hospitals and businesses
