Alma Mater

Alma Mater

Alma Mater is the mother soul of the college/university.

Sculpture

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

It was a gift of Mrs. Robert Goelet and Robert Goelet Jr. in memory of Robert Goelet, Columbia College Class of 1860, and presented in 1903.

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 in 1970, 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.)

On the back of Alma Mater's chair you'll find the Columbia Crown and Columbia Seal lightly embossed in the metal.

Further Reading

Nearing Her 100th Birthday, Alma Mater Receives a Much Needed Makeover (January 2003)