It starts out as a humorous idea. Slowly, it gets talked up more and more, the idea growing and growing. Some are never executed, others go down in history. As for the practical prank, it never goes out of style.
The University has seen many a joke since the matriculation of its first entering class in 1825. One of the most risky, yet successful, occurred in 1965 when a cow was placed on the roof of the Rotunda.
The culprits who placed the cow on top of Mr. Jefferson's architectural masterpiece remained unknown until 1997. After donating $1,765 to the Western Albemarle Rescue Squad to cover the costs of the consequences of the stunt, which occurred several decades earlier, Alfred R. Berkeley III, then-president of NASDAQ, confessed to playing a part in the crime, according to a Nov. 21, 1997, article in The Cavalier Daily.
The mysterious pranksters -- including one of the prankster's fathers, who donated the cow -- had remained nameless due to their careful planning.
Today, although students continue to prank, no pranks of such magnitude have been seen for a while. Rather, students tend to fool those whom they know on a more intimate level.
Fourth-year Engineering student Matt Anderson and his housemates battled back and forth earlier this year.
"My friend and I decided to nail a huge piece of plywood to our roommate's door one night," Anderson said. "The wood was bigger than the door so he couldn't get out when he tried. He had to use a window to get in and out."
Despite Anderson's attempts to aid his friend in the process of removing the wood, revenge was still sought.
"A few weeks later he tried to nail the wood to my door and throw eggs at it," Anderson said. "It wasn't nailed in good though, so it wasn't all that successful."
Anderson admits that most of their ideas stem from "drunken debauchery."
Fraternities and sororities also find themselves frequently engaged in pranks.
"Last year we had a constant war with some of the brothers in a neighboring fraternity," said fourth-year Engineering school student and sorority member Lisa Davis. "The war had been going on for years."
According to Davis, the rivalry used to be carried out in the form of water wars. Water balloons and hoses were used to catch the members of each house off guard. With the water restrictions of last year, however, changes had to be made.
Davis, detailing some of the executed pranks, said small things were taken from the fraternity house, including poker chips and a dart board, and borrowed until the boys found them. The girls also taped funny pictures and sorority sayings to the fraternity's mantle.
According to Davis, the girls' actions were in response to those of the boys.
"They made a furniture pyramid in the middle of our living area, took all of our plaques and turned off our hot water and Internet."
And of course, certain infamous dorm pranks must not be forgotten. Each year first years pride themselves on their pranks.
"Last year a few of my hall mates and I duct taped our RA's door shut while he was inside and filled the gap [under the door] with trash," second-year College student Mike Resnick said.
"Dorms were boring," he added. "We had to entertain ourselves."
Prospective students also are a typical target for many pranksters. Third-year Architecture student and University Guide, Shannon Yadsko, shared a recent experience.
While stopped in the middle of old dorms with an admissions tour, Yadsko's group was greeted by a voice from a "God phone" -- a.k.a. a blue emergency phone being called from a dorm room.
"At first they were just playing music," Yadsko said. "I didn't think anything of it. A few minutes later they called back and started hitting on a prospective."
According to Yadsko, the prankster called to the "girl in the blue shirt," claiming she was "hot" and asked for her number. The parents of the girl seemed horrified -- and the brunt of the joke herself, completely embarrassed.
"I talked to the family after the tour, and they seemed fine," Yadsko said. "I think the biggest embarrassment was that we were in a big group and they completely called her out."
Don't think that pranks are just for sophisticated college kids, however. Some students have been working on perfecting their technique since childhood.
Second-year College student Alfred Griffin and his first-year brother started pranking at a young age.
"I would duct tape the fireworks that exploded when you pulled the strings at either end to his door," Griffin said. "I put one end on the door and the other on the wall. I'm not sure how exactly it worked, but when we walked out of the room it would explode. It scared the 'bejeezus' out of him."
Once again, paybacks were hell.
"He [Griffin's brother] would put cups of water on my door if I left it cracked," Griffin said. "When I opened it, water would fall all over my head."
Although Griffin admits that these pranks were merely random childhood attacks, he doesn't doubt that they will continue into the future in "one way or another."
With April Fool's Day tomorrow, many scheming students already have their plans in place for conniving tricks they hope to carry out.
"I think it would be hysterical to put saran wrap on the seats of the dorm toilets," first-year College student Kathleen O'Brien said. "When people go to do their business, they would wind up with a little surprise."
O'Brien, admitting that she is a fan of the prank, will not pull it tomorrow, stating that it is too much of an amateur idea. So, Dunnington residents, your bathroom trips will be safe. However, stay on the lookout -- O'Brien has more ideas up her sleeve.
Griffin also is confident he will partake in the festivities of the day in one way or another. He currently is just lacking inspiration.
So, little brother, watch your back. He still has time.
Read More
It’s okay not to be okay
By Mai Hukuoka | YesterdayWhether talking to a friend, a loved one or a professional, it is so necessary, and human, to need more than you can provide for yourself.
Taking a break at Tangerines Kitchen
By Charley Thomas | 3 days agoWhat the restaurant somewhat lacks in ambiance, it compensates for in tasty dishes and prompt service.
Virginia Policy Lab — a hub for student-led policy action
By Katherine Haden | December 9, 2024Students propose their own projects and collaborate with other members to research their issues of interest, brainstorm solutions and write policy proposals.
