Art Sculpture of Joy Selig

Oregon State University is known for having such a beautiful campus. Part of the beauty is the art that can be found on campus. Some of this art goes overlooked and is not recognized. Most of these art pieces have such a unique story behind them that is worth learning about. One of these pieces would be the sculpture of Joy Selig.

Joy Selig had a lasting impression on Oregon States Gymnastics team, some would even call her a legend. Seling came from California to Oregon Sate University and joined the gymnastics team in 1987. She was granted a gymnastics scholarship that helped her pay for her out of state tuition. During her four years as a gymnast she had multiple accomplishments. She is a three-time national champion and seven time first team All-American. During her senior year she was given the American Award as the country's top gymnast. Not only was she given this award but she also was given NCAA Woman of the Year for Oregon. Selig obtained the opportunity to participate in the World University Games alongside two of her other Oregon State teammates.

After college she spent 3 years as an assistant gymnastics coach at University of Washington. Later, she went to coach at University of Denver. 

In 1994, Oregon State created this sculpture of Joy Selig. This sculpture is located right in front of Gladys Valley Gymnastics Center. It was her former coach, Jim Turpin who chose Joy Selig to be the person in the sculpture. The sculpture is of Selig doing one of her signature moves on the balance beam. The sculpture reads: "Joy distinguished herself beyond call by demonstrating kindness of heart and achieving excellence in gymnastics and academics. There time NCAA National Champion. Seven Time All-American." 

Since being a retired gymnast, Pac 10 Women's All Decade Team. In 1997 she was also conducted into Oregon State's Sports Hall of Fame. Finally, in 2010 she was conducted into Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.