- The University- Ohio's First and Finest
Ohio University is rich in folklore and tradition, which befits a university entering its third century of service to education. Very few universities can boast such a storied rich past and heritage. It's history ranges from the Revolutionary war, the Civil War, the World Wars, to the Space Age. It also features what is considered by many architects and designers as one of America 's most beautiful, classic, and visually stunning campuses.
- The College Green and Cutler Hall
The College Green is the center of Ohio University s Athens campus. With its network of classic brick walkways and shade trees, it has provided a quiet respite to Ohio University students for over 200 years. The three oldest buildings on campus are located on the College Green. Cutler Hall, with its imposing ornate cupola and lighted clock, flanked by McGuffey and Wilson halls, dates from the early 1800s and is a fine example of pure Georgian early American architecture. Cutler, which currently houses the administrative offices of the president and others, was built in 1816 and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. These three buildings are the centerpiece of the university and are featured on the official university logo.
* Alumni Auditorium
Also on the College Green is Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Auditorium. The west portico of the auditorium faces the center of the Green and is the site of a series of plaques honoring famous individuals who have spoken on campus, including Teddy Roosevelt, Warren Harding, Dwight Eisenhower, Eleanor Roosevelt, Martin L. King, Lyndon Johnson, Robert Frost, Carl Sandburg and John F. Kennedy. Nine Presidents have spoke at Alumni Auditorium.
President Lyndon Johnson made the first-ever public mention of a 'Great Society' initiative on the steps of Alumni Auditorium, months before its actual formal announcement a the University of Michigan, in spring of 1963.
* The Official University Seal
The Ohio University Seal is from the seal of the State of Ohio . The circle of the Ohio seal represents a shield. A sheaf of wheat represents Ohios agricultural heritage, and a bundle of seventeen arrows represents Ohio as the seventeenth state to join the Union . Behind these are mountains, symbolizing strength and grandeur, and the rising sun, symbolizing eternal life and the dawn of a new day. The Seal is used on official university documents and at official functions.
By Legislative Act, only Ohio University is granted the use of the main elements of the Ohio Great Seal as the university seal.
There are three inscriptions on the Ohio University seal which are translated as follows:
Sigillum Universitatis Ohiensis: The Seal of Ohio University
Prae Omnibus Virtus: Virtue Before All Things
Religio Doctrina Civilitas: Religion, Learning, Civility
* The Class Gateway
Facing Cutler Hall, on the north side of the Green, is a second gate, the Class Gateway, also inscribed with a passage from the Ordinance of 1787 that reads: Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged. Tradition maintains that freshman not step upon the bronze university seal imbedded in the bricks in front of the College Gateway, lest, as legend has it, bad luck follows in love and fortune.
* The Official University Colors
The green and white colors of Ohio University date back to 1896. Before that time, the University's unofficial colors were blue and white. However, it soon became apparent that these colors would be unacceptable for the new football team to wear. Ohios newly hired football coach, Samuel McMillen, suggested that Ohio adopt as its colors olive green and white, which were worn at McMillens alma mater, Dartmouth College. The proposal was put before the student body for a vote, and green and white became the colors of the schools uniforms in the fall of 1896. Down through the years, the olive green has evolved into a lighter Hunter green color. As a side note, McMillen never coached a game for Ohio University , as personal problems kept him from arriving in Athens in the fall of 1896.
* The Ceremonial University Mace
For centuries the mace has been used as a symbol of authority. Early maces were actually weapons of war similar to a club, and were often used by ecclesiastics who were forbidden to use other kinds of weapons. In the early days of Cambridge and Oxford , For centuries the mace has been used as a symbol of authority. Today, the use of the mace is a representation of authority for royalty, legislatures, and universities around the world.
The late David R. Klahn, professor of art, designed the Ohio University Ceremonial Mace. It is modeled after one of the balustrades of an original stairway of Cutler Hall, the University's main administration building. Cast in bronze, the mace is 46" long and weighs 16 pounds, and features the University seal and a stylized representation of the Cutler Hall cupola. The mace is carried and displayed at official University ceremonies including Commencement and Honors marches through the Campus Green and Alumni Gateway, and is kept in Cutler Hall .
Alumni Gateway is located at the northwest corner of the Green. At the corners of Court and Union Streets, it is literally where Ohio University and the City of Athens meet. The gate was an alumni gift and commemorates the graduation of 1815, the first in the Old Northwest Territory . It is designated a National Land mark.
The gate, featuring the ancient Latin words taken from the portal to the University of Padua in Italy , greets all who enter with an inscription that reads:
" SO ENTER THAT DAILY THOU MAYEST GROW
IN KNOWLEDGE WISDOM AND LOVE"
For those departing, another inscription reads:
" SO DEPART THAT DAILY THOU MAYEST BETTER SERVE
THY FELLOWMEN THY COUNTRY AND THY GOD"
Students, as tradition dictates, formally march through Alumni Gateway in procession, at orientation and as well as at graduation, to symbolize their entering and leaving of the university and their time at their Alma Mater.
Located between the two College Green gates is the Athens County Soldiers and Sailors Civil War Monument. It was erected in 1893 to honor the 2,610 citizens of Athens County who served during the Civil War. The brick and stone plaza was added to the monument in recent years to frame the popular location, which is located at the heart of campus.
The Ohio University university on-line webcam features the Civil War memorial, the College Green's hub, capturing students as they trek across campus throughout the seasons, for alumni around the world to view live and enjoy.
Commissioned by a woman's organization at the turn of the 20th century, the stone sundial commemorates the location of Ohio 's original and first college building (1807) and is located directly behind Galbreath Chapel. The dial, in bronze, features a persona, profiled at the 6 pm location, brandishing a scythe, heralding Shakespear's 'Sonnet 123' ominous reference to the 'scythe of time'; a reminder that time is fleeting and to be cherished by all. Here Thomas Ewing and John Hunter were graduated in 1815, the first two graduates of Ohio University . Ewing later served as a United States Senator and as Secretary of Treasury, advising four United States Presidents.
* Wolfe Ohio Garden
Nestled behind Cutler Hall and in front of the back steps to Alden Library is Wolfe Gardens. A perfect outdoor setting for classes to meet or recitations to take place. The garden, recessed into the ground and set among a enclave of trees, is in the shape of the Great State of Ohio and features indigenous Ohio flora, stone inscriptions from literature, as well as a sculpture of a female form by Ohio University sculpture David Hostettler.
* The Beta Clock
Outside the main entrance to Baker University Center stands the Phi Beta Kappa Clock. Named after America's oldest and most known academic honorary, it is an elegant victorian style ivory-faced clock which greets all visitors to the welcoming university center, which now serves as the hub of campus activities. The words, "The Love of Wisdom is the Guide of Life" surround the dial.
As a special point of note, the Roman numeral four on the face of the clock's dial is represented by llll instead of the standard lV. The notation of Roman numerals has varied through the centuries. Originally, it was common to use IIII on clock faces to represent "four", because IV represented the Roman God Jupitor, whose Latin name, IVPITER, begins with 'IV'.
In striking contrast to its classic form, the stately clock actually is guided by an internal GPS Synchonization mechanism, which keeps it accurate to within a millisecond per year. The clock complements the Collegium Honors Room, inside Baker Center, which features momentoes and plaques of the university's many honors societies.
* Galbreath University Chapel.
The Helen Mauck Galbreath Memorial Chapel is a gift of alumnus John Galbreath in memory of his first wife, whom he met while they were students at the university. . Built in 1957, the Modern Colonial Revival chapel has an unusual shape that was imposed by its location on the green. The spire, topped with a brass weather vane, is modeled after that of the portico of Nash's All Souls Church in London . The chapel is used by people of all faiths for personal prayer and meditation. It is also used for memorial services, weddings, receptions, and christenings.. Many fraternities and sororities choose it for formal initiation ceremonies and receptions. The interior is finished in white Early American church style and furnishing.
* The Albatross Sculpture
Entitled "The Albatross" and somewhat hidden among trees at the front of Alden Library, this sculpture was placed there a few months after Alden Library was opened in 1969. A work by 1970 fine arts graduate Michael McConnell, it is a two-ton work finished in corten steel. The sculpture repeats in graceful arcs and upward thrusting wings, embracing the vertical linear lines of Alden's seven story building.
* International Japanese Cherry Trees
A gift from the Chubu Institute, an Ohio sister institution, the cherry trees offer visual splendor every spring to the university campus. Their pink and white blossoms and scent fill the perimeter of the campus along the bike-path which follows the campus, its athletic complexes, golf course and the Hocking River . On the occasion of the University's 175th anniversary, Chubu donated 175 Yoshino cherry trees. Chubu also honored Ohio University 's Bicentennial by increasing that number to 200. The second part of the gift included planting 94 Yoshino Cherry Trees and nine Double Weeping Cherries. Cherry Trees are an international symbol of friendship and prosperity.
* The Cutler Chimes
From the pinnacle Cupola of Cutler Hall, the ubiquitous Cutler Chimes have been sounding their melodious tones across campus for over half a century, They chime the tune to ' Alma Mater- Ohio' at 8 am and noon daily, and also ring each half-hour, throughout the university day. Their tones can be heard throughout the campus and Hocking River Valley. Now in recorded format, the chimes were a gift of University Trustee Grosvenor Mckee in 1955. The chimes replaced the Campus Bell in the Cutler Tower which, from the 1820s, summoned students to classes for over 130 years. The original Campus Bell remains ensconced in the Cutler Tower Cupola.
* The Four Ladies
Six beautiful glass stain windows are found on the first floor of Walters Hall. Originally commissioned for and used in now razed Ewing Hall, the 110 year old pieces had previously
been in storage.
Each of four of these tall windows depict women reminiscent of Renaissance and Classical Art, with the inscriptions "Art," "Science," "History" and "Education." The women's faces and limbs are painted, and the women illustrate their respective fields of learning. In the Education window, the woman sits gracefully and speaks to a curious child. (The last two windows, which are displayed on each end, feature floral-inspired leaded designs in rich tones of red, yellow and pink). The windows stand along the wall facing Bicentennial Park and The Convo and are the same height as the building's functioning ones.
* The Kissing Circle
A concentric geometric formation of red bricks, adjacent to Chubb Hall, is found in the labrynth of pathways across the Campus Green. Traditionally, during the 1950s, lovers travailing campus would meet and rendezvous at the spot to sneak a mid-day kiss, leave chalk messages or simply meet. The romantic spot is currently commemorated by a plaque placed as a gift of the Class of 2007. It was also the original location of the Napolean Whipple Drinking Fountain which existed from 1880s to the 1920s. Another major Fountain fountain was made of stone and was situated on College Green where nearby Chubb Hall is today. It was dedicated by the senior class of 1915 and removed in the 1920s.
* The Bobcat Sculpture at Drew Park
The true-to-scale sized cast metal sculpture of the university mascot stands, positioned and read to pounce at intruders, at the front entrance of Peden Stadium. It was created and begun by renown animal artist Fred Glover, who passed away prior to its completion. His son Colin consequently finished the project. It was dedicated in 2002 as part of Drew Park, located at the front entrance to Peden Stadium. Unlike the many larger mascot sculptures found on some university campuses, the artist wanted to capture the true life-like essence of the bobcat, indigenous to Ohio, and despite its size, is known for its scrapiness and prowess.
The Statue is a popular gatering place for student groups, fraternities, as well as those meeting up for photo opportunities. Legend has it that students' rubbing of the Bobcat Statute's head prior to football game brings good luck to the day's gridiron contest.
* Rufus the Bobcat- Official University Mascot
In late 2005, Michael A Massa, an Ohio Alumnus, contacted the Ohio University Athletic Department with a suggestion to give a proper name to 'The Bobcat', after noting that
Texas State University had one so (also having a bobcat as university mascot). The idea was welcome, and the university also decided to not only name the bobcat for posterity, but also officially revamp its look.
In late 2006, a university-wide contest was sponsored by the Athletic Department where hundreds of names were submitted for consideration. The most popular name selected was
'Rufus', named after the latin name for the creature's species ('Lynx Rufus')
* The 'Live' Bobcat Mascot
In addition to the Bobcat Sculpture, which merely symbolizes Ohio's mascot, a live Bobcat was introduced to Ohio University's fans in 1983. "Sir Winsalot," as named in a contest by John and Liz Gillam of Athens, was owned by Ohio University graduate and Columbus resident Richard Widdis. He was was actually brought to football games for several seasons. Sir Winsalot was kept at the Columbus Zoo until his death. Waddis replaced "Sir Winsalot" with a new cat named "Paws," who can be found alive and well in the North America section of the Columbus Zoo, and is frequently visited by alumni.
* Peden Stadium Complex
Serving as the venue for the OHIO Bobcats, the stadium is the oldest in the powerful Div-1 Mid-American Conference and has served the university for a record 75 years. It now houses a suite multitude of football offices, training centers, academic classrooms, with press rooms and observation decks. Panoramic views of the Hocking River and Convocation Center frame the environs of the cozy setting, garnering the stadium its reputation as the 'Wrigley Field' of college football. 'Victory Hill', a favorite viewing location for students, is located at the base of the high-tech score and graphics board. The other end of the horse-shoe like venue provides seating for the university award-winning marching band- the Marching 110.
Enhanced and expanded dramatically in recent years, it has seen many important events including visits by Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Dwight Eisenhower. Marine One, the official presidential helicopter, landed at the 50-yard line, during Eisenhowers visit to the Ohio University Campus. The stadium provides a dramatic visual venue, with the hills and imposing Convocation center in the foreground.
* "Diamond Ohio"
The distinctive Ohio formation- with the stylistic daimond shaped 'O's on either end, is a hallmark of the Marching 110 Ohio University Band. The formation, in use since the 1950s, forms the word "Ohio" in script. It is also featured on some historic band regalia as well as the band's website. In fact, the OSU fight song "Buckeye Battle Cry" was actually written by an OU grad, in the course of a contest to come up with a new fight song at Ohio State. OU grads never tire of reminding Buckeye fans that they had to defer to OU to find a fight song good enough to satisfy Buckeye Alumns!
* The Cannon at Peden Stadium
The loudest Ohio tradition is just in its tenth season. An 1800s-style military cannon was designed and built to help celebrate Bobcat touchdowns and extra points. Residing in the north end zone, the cannon is also used at other times during the game, including heralding the team's initial entry onto the field, and is typically operated by a campus military regiment.
"Old Beech," a historic tree on the College Green, where students congregated for study and recreation and hundreds carved their initials, was cut down in 1923. Newspapers around the country wrote obituaries for the tree, said to be "in its youth" when Rufus Putnam arrived in 1795 to lay out the campus.
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