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Today, the Alma Mater statue remains a popular New York tourist site and a prominent campus symbol. One can pass through campus at any part of the day and see visitors taking photos next to the century-old landmark. This “nourishing mother of studies” also continues to hold political significance for members of the Columbia community. In 2008, for example, Columbia student activists placed a black shroud over the statue's head to protest against the University's involvement the Iraq War. 

Alma Mater’s appearance, too, continues to change; her most recent refurbishment, in the fall of 2002, was geared towards preserving the statue, and produced none of the backlash that the 1962 changes did. Cognizant of Alma Mater’s central role in the University’s traditions and history, the University hopes to ensure that the beloved statue will remain part of the community for years to come.[1]

• Early History
• Erecting the Statue
• In the 20th Century
• Lore and Pranks
• In the 21st Century
• Bibliography

<< Alma Mater Lore and Pranks

Alma Mater Bibliography >>