Ohio University- Over 200 Years of Campus Tradition !
Posted: Tuesday, September 11, 2007
by Michael Angelo Massa, J.D.
Ohio 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. As America's 9th Public University, it features what is considered by many architects and designers as one of America 's most classically beautiful, and visually stunning campuses. Its Alumni number 200,000 across the globe.
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 210 years and has remained virtually as it was thru the centuries. 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. Ten sitting or former 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
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"
A similar phrase is also found at the Eddy Gatrway at Cornell University.
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.
Civil War Monument
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.
The University Sundial
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 famous 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 design, 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 river and 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. Each April- a Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival is sponsored by the local Japanese Student Association along the Hocking River. Every Spring, the Japanese students at the university host the Sakura Festival, to celebrate the brief but breathtaking blossoming of the Cherry Trees.
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.
* OHIO Campus Squirrels:
In 1908, the University's board of trustees formed a committee to obtain squirrels for the campus green to enlighten the campus' naturally enticing atmosphere (apparently they were inspired after a Harvard visit, where the Cambridge campus was populated with squirrels). Several mating pairs of 'Eastern Greys' were brought to campus from Harvard by the university Science Dept. Their ancestars now make the College Green and surrounding areas their playground.
Several are known to have frequented former university President Dr Ping's Office, where ready prepared treats were waiting.
* Rufus the Bobcat- Official University Mascot
In late 2005, spearheaded by Michael A Massa, an Ohio Alumnus, along with several fellow Alumni, contacted the Ohio University Athletic Department with a suggestion to give a proper name to 'The Bobcat', after noting that Texas State University in San Marcos had named their mascot (also a bobcat) for marketing purposes. 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 80 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 Eisenhower's visit to the Ohio University Campus. The stadium provides a dramatic visual venue on a crisp blue Autumn afternoon, with the hills and imposing Convocation center in the foreground. The stadium is also visible from the portico of Baker University Stadium, a favorite student hang-out.
At the suggestion and proposal of Ohio Alumnus Michael A Massa, Peden Stadium has been designated an Official Ohio Historical Site, with a commemorative historical marker planned for placement at the Stadium after its 80th Anniversary.
* " 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! Another OHIO Alumnus also created the tune "Round at the Ends and High in the Middle" exclusively for Ohio University's use, but subsequently co-opted by Ohio State.
* 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 and Campus Green Beech Trees:
"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 .
________________________________________________________________________
NOTABLE OHIO UNIVERSITY ALUMNI and ATTENDEES:
- Politicians and Civil Servants
Thomas Ewing , Cabinet member (Sec Treasury of the US under President Lincoln
and adoptive parent of General William T Sherman, US Civil War, Union.
George P Shiraz, Justice, United States Supreme Court, 1892-1903
George Voinovich , U.S. Senator from Ohio, Ohio Governor. Cleveland Mayor
Shannon Wilson, Governor of Ohio and Kansas Territories
Stephen Kappes, Deputy Director of the CIA
Edward James Roye , Former President of Liberia
-Journalists and Media
Matt Lauer , Journalist, Host, the Today Show
Clarence Page , Pulitzer prize winning Chicago Tribune columnist
Van Gordon Sauter, President CBS News and Sports
Peter King , head NFL writer for Sports Illustrated
Thom Brennaman , Cincinnati Reds announcer, among other sports
Leon Harris , News anchor, CNN and WJLA
Martin Savage, CNN Reporter
Jay Mariotti , sports columnist and TV personality
Tony Rizzo , Cleveland talk show host, news reporter
Roger Ailes , President, Fox News, Former Advisor to Ronald Reagan
Nobel Prize Winners
Venki Ramakrishnan , Nobel Prize, Chemistry, 2009
- Entertainers & Famous Artists
Paul Newman , Academy award-winning actor, philanthropist
Richard Dean Anderson , actor, most known as MacGyver
Erma Bombeck, Columnist and show-host
Ed O'Neill , Golden Globe Award Actor, 'Married w' Children', Dragnet; Spartan, Deliverance
Connie Ray, Actress, Screen and TV, Stuart Little, The Torkelsons, 'ER'
Nancy Cartwright , Actress, Voice of Bart Simpson
Peter Souza, Official White House Photographer
Jim Dine , Pop artist
Arsenio Hall , Comedian, former talk show host
Lauri Lea Shafer, Miss America 1972
Sammy Kaye, Celebrated Big-Band leader, Hollywood Walk of Fame Inductee
Patty (Dianne) Hale, Movie and TV Actress, "My Friend Flicka", "Daughter of Rosie O' Grady"
Piper Perabo , movie actress, Coyote Ugly, Cheaper by the Dozen, The Prestige
Betty Thomas , Actress, Hill Street Blues , film director
Stu Pflaum , Grammy Nominated music publisher
Bill McCutheon, Actor, "Uncle Wally", Sesame Street, Steel Magnolias, Tony-Award Recipient
Walter Tevis , award-winning author, The Hustler, Color of money, The Man Who Fell to Earth
Richard Linke, Creator and Producer, The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry RFD
Daniel Keys, Award-winning Author, Flowers for Algernon, The Minds of Billy Milligan
Joe Eszterhas, Award-winning writer/producer, Basic Instinct, Razors Edge
-Professional Athletes
Dave Zastudil , NFL player, for the Cleveland Browns [ 24 ]
Mike Schmidt , Baseball Hall of Fame third baseman
Dave Green , former NFL player
Gary Trent , NBA player
Landon Cohen , NFL player for the Detroit Lions
Ryan Senser , NFL player for the Seattle Seahawks
Joshua Abrams , NFL player for the Green Bay Packers
Chris Parks , aka 'The Monster' Abyss, Professional Wrestler, TNA Wrestling
* Of note, Patti Reagan, daughter of then California Gov and former President Reagan, was admitted to OHIO in the latter 1960s, but subsequently withdrew when it was noted that the Governor's plane could not adeqautely land at the Athens Airport.
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Nice overview of customs and traditions!thank you! Mike Massa
One note - the "Diamond Ohio" formation does not appear on the uniforms of the Marching 110. Also, the reference to Ohio State is incorrect. In point of 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 go to OU to find a fight song good enough to satisfy the Buckeye Nation !!!!!
I am making the changes- as a fellow Bobcat...but OU's Band, ok in its own right, CANNOT HOLD A CANDLE to the OSU Marching Band- and you know it. OU' 'band is a knock-off of Florida A&M. I wish OU had its own style. AHEM..
Okay! Okay! I'll admit the OSU band is good; boring and uninspiring, but good. Their military style and "bicycle step" is well known to their Alumni. What is not so well known outside OSU circles is that they (OSUMB) are owned and operated as part of the Athletic Department.. boo! On the other hand, all the OU bands, part of the School of Music, have and always will be inspirational to their students, beginning this trend in the early 1900's. Since those early times crowds have traditionally attended OU football games as much to hear and see their band as for the games; a fact revealed by such small attendance in the third/forth quarters after the halftime show completes. Also it need mentioned that not only was "Buckeye Battle Cry" written by a former OU student, but so was "I Want To Go Back To Ohio State (U.)" and further, OU didn't raid their church hymnals for OU's Alma Mater as was done by OSU. I guess nothing original comes from C-town, so look to kindly, historic Athens for creativity and for fun. No, there is just no comparison between OSU and OU bands; apples and oranges, or lemons as the case may be.
You'll find that many many alma maters for both colleges and high schools come from hymns - that's not unusual at all. Some come from classical music too. I Wanna Go Back is a "traditional" tune - not written by an OU grad at all. It's origins are detailed by the Cal Band's website - a tune called "Oh, Didn't He Ramble," by Cole and Johnson. Cal plays a version of it, even the Michigan Band plays "I Wanna Go Back To Michigan". The Buckeye Battle Cry was written in 1919 by Frank Crumit, who was a graduate of Ohio University. However, he was a great Buckeye fan, so when a contest was held at Ohio State to find a new "fight song", he submitted this song. It won the contest. The first OSU fight song was "Fight The Team". It was written by OSU student William A. Dougherty Jr. in 1915 and was first introduced at a football pep rally. Stand Up and Cheer is the fight song of Columbia University, the University of North Dakota, and Western Kentucky University (which sounds almost exactly like OU's arrangement), just to name a few. What was that about originality?
You may want to note that your cherished "Diamond Ohio" formation was created, first used, and still used by THE Ohio State University Marching Band. Call tOSU's Alumni Office if you want proof. Give credit where credit is due.Yeah- but it took an Ohio University genius alumnus and product, to come up with the idea!
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