Points of Interest

The Centre Seal (1991), Doctrina Lux Mentis (latin) meaning learning is the light of the mind. In 1990 under President Michael F. Adams (1988-1997) a Save Old Centre drive was launched and renovation began. On October 11, 1991 Old Centre was rededicated. A legend has sprung up about the circular brass College seal embedded in the brick walkway in front of Old Centre. The belief is that if two students kiss on the seal at midnight, they'll end up marrying after graduation. This piece of folklore hasn't been scientifically tested, but the proliferation of double alum weddings reported in the alumni magazine would lend support to the notion.

The Palace of Memory (2000), a granite and earth-mound outdoor sculpture by Maine artist Tom Chapin, commissioned by faculty, staff, and friends of the College to mark the new millennium. Hidden on the underside of the Egyptian Scarab beetle are one hundred and thirty-five inscriptions; “a shorthand version of what it is that Centre is remembering,” says the artist. Click here for more.

The Flame (1969), is an 11-foot, 2,000-pound bronze sculpture by Belgian artist John Somville and alumna Dottie Smith, Centre Class of 1969, symbolizes the lamp of knowledge on Centre’s seal. Smith donated The Flame in honor of Centre’s 150th anniversary and in memory of her father. “Running The Flame” is a popular (late-night) campus tradition. Click here for more.

C6 H0 (1921), the Colonels football team defeated seemingly invincible Harvard (then ranked No. 1 in the nation) in what some consider the twentieth century's greatest sports upset. Overjoyed students painted the "impossible chemical formula" C6 H0 on everything in sight including this marking which can still be seen on the side of the Walnut House. Click here for more.

The Rip (2011), sculpted by Gary Bibbs, was donated to Centre by Duane van Horn ’68 and now stands in front of Chowan. Van Horn commissioned the stainless steel artwork, which depicts a ripsaw in motion, in 1994 to capture and honor the art and spirit of woodworking. Click here for more.

London Phone Booth (1990), President Michael F. Adams (1988-1997) purchased the London phone booth in London and had it shipped to campus as a way of marking the establishment of Centre’s first residential study-abroad program. Before the e-mail and skyping era, it was thought that students might be able to use the booth to talk with their fellows in London.

The Centre Garden (2010), holds eight three-feet by eight-feet beds and is located behind the Emeritus House on Maple Avenue. At optimum rates, the garden will produce 50 pounds per raised bed. Read more about it.

Swing (2009). Centre students enjoy an occasional swing on the campus swing which hangs from a tree near Old Centre.

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