Alma Mater

Alma Mater is a Daniel Chester French sculpture that graces the steps to Low Library.

Alma Mater was originally intended to be guilt in gold, but never was. The bronze eventually oxidized and the statue was instead coated and sealed.

Rumor has it that back-up Alma Mater's are kept at the ready should need arise. During the 60's and 70's, it seemed likely. One alum recalls hearing an explosion while in class, and finding Alma Mater skewed off her base later that day, though not fallen. Rumor has it that this was the work of the Weathermen.

An owl is hidden in the folds of Alma Mater's robes. According to legend, the first student of each College class to find the owl would graduate Valedictorian and marry a Barnard woman (back when Columbia College was still all-male.)