A tribute to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, called the Pathway of Hope Project, is coming to Fresno State in the form a new lighted pathway.

The pathway is being built in the wooded area across from the Kennel Bookstore near the Vintage Room on the campus. It will consist of a stone path and benches where students and community members can sit, study or just relax and think.

The project is the product of Leadership Fresno’s Class 35 and Fresno State media, communications and journalism professor Jes Therkelsen.

Leadership Fresno is a group of individuals interested in working on projects that benefit the Fresno community. Members decide what yearlong project they want to participate in.

Therkelsen wanted to emphasize the issues of sexual assault and domestic violence and found Fresno State to be the perfect tie-in. Therkelsen said he thinks that Fresno State is a perfect location for the pathway because it represents an issue of which students need to be reminded.

Judith Gagnebin, another member of Class 35, was also excited about the project. Gagnebin works for the Marjaree Mason Center, which helps victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Gagenbin’s work there helped inspire the idea for the pathway.

According to Gagnebin, the pathway is meant to represent the path to healing that survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence undergo. Gagnebin also says it is important to raise awareness about the problem and hopes the pathway will serve as a constant reminder.

The Fresno State Cross Cultural and Gender Center is also involved in the creation of the pathway.

Leadership Fresno Class 35 raised more than $20,000 for the project with $1,000 of that donated by Fresno State’s Associated Students, Inc. The lights for the pathway, which will be installed after the rest of the pathway is finished, are being donated by a single company. -source didn’t say

The Pathway of Hope Project also has a Facebook page that contains stories of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, as well as more information about the project.

The public unveiling of the Pathway of Hope will be on Friday, April 26, from noon to 1 p.m.