It is a well known fact that the University is a place steeped in tradition. Lawn streaking, the Foxfield races and the Good Ole' Song are common examples, but some aspects of the University predate even these staples. The College of Arts and Sciences, for example, is celebrating its 187th birthday today.
"It has been 187 years since the first corner stone [now located in Pavilion VII] was laid," Arts and Sciences Council President Catherine Neale said. "Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe and some other people from Virginia laid this cornerstone in 1817."
In honor of this event, the Arts and Sciences Council will hold its second annual College Birthday Party. Two birthday cakes will be cut at 2:45 p.m. today, one will be cut by College Dean Edward L. Ayers on the South Lawn, while the second cake will be cut between Gilmer Hall and the Chemistry Building.
"Last year we had one cake for more than a thousand people on the Lawn," said fourth-year College student Hadi Irvani, also a member of the Arts and Sciences Council. "This year we are having another cake in front of Gilmer for people and faculty involved in the science majors like chemistry and biology who don't really go to Cabell all that much."
Neale said the original idea for the event came from the University's long history.
"I am a history major and had done some research about the University's history," Neale said. "So I thought it would be a nice idea to incorporate that history into the College's identity."
Neale also pointed out that the College constitutes the core of the University's makeup today.
"Even though it wasn't called the College, the University was originally set up with college-type of classes," Neale said. "The only other school that opened [at the same time was the] Medical School -- the Law School opened a year later because Jefferson couldn't find a law professor."
Irvani emphasized the Council's desire to increase awareness about the College as well as to foster student-faculty relationships.
"We want people to be even prouder that they are a student of the College with so much history and remember that they are here to learn and discuss interesting things with their professors," Irvani said. "Sort of bring back the fundamentals."
Students who are hungry or just craving chocolate and whipped cream, should stop by the Lawn or the Chemistry Building today to celebrate the College's birthday.
Read More
It’s okay not to be okay
By Mai Hukuoka | 2 days agoWhether 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 | 4 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.
