The Sacramento State community remembered late Sacramento Mayor Joe Serna and his wife, Isabel, at a ceremony dedicating a campus fountain in their honor Friday.

The dedication took place in Joe Serna Plaza, outside the University Union, at the location of the colorful new fountain. Food, music and stories about the Sernas filled the air as the fountain was unveiled.

President Donald Gerth said the contributions the Sernas made to the Sac State campus were immeasurable.

“It is almost unbelievable, the number of people who love to talk about Joe and Isabel,” Gerth said. “We hope this plaza will be used and used and used through the years.”

The fountain, in its blue and black colors, is located adjacent to the Union. Water falls from the top of two pillars into a colorful tile base.

On the east and west sides of the brick perimeter are two poems dedicated to Joe and Isabel, written by former Sac State professor Jose Montoya and English professor Olivia Castellano, translated in English and Spanish and cast in bronze.

The fountain was designed by Montoya, former Sac State professor Esteban Villa and professors Ricardo Favela, Larry Ortiz and Castellano. Serna family members were present at the dedication.

Gerth spoke of his own friendship with the Sernas.

“We had a lot in common, since we were all political scientists,” Gerth said.

Montoya and his band, “Trio Casindio,” also performed at the dedication.”There are seven of us in this band, even though we call ourselves a trio,” Montoya said.

“None of us were ever any good at math.”

Dancers from the Raices Grupo Folklorico also performed at the dedication ceremony.