One of UA’s most well known landmarks, The Rock, is going “au naturel,” at least temporarily.
More than a year ago, members of the Geosciences Club proposed a plan to restore the oft-painted, 7-ton rock south of Crouse Hall to how it looked when it was presented as a gift from the Class of 1880, and to install a commemorative plaque with the history and geology of the rock.
The project has been led by Mark Dombroski, who earned a B.S. in Geophysics in 2014 and now works for Nalco Champion, an Ecolab Company, and Lindsay Wasik, who is graduating in August with a B.S. in Geology and a minor in business administration.
With the necessary approvals received, the club’s clean-up project began over the weekend. Dave Tiller, director of environmental and occupational health and safety, provided training on how to chemically strip an estimated 4 inches of paint from the entire rock without harming the environment.
On Wednesday, May 20, at 10 a.m., the results will be unveiled at a ceremony to dedicate the plaque and the newly cleaned rock, complete with its engraving of 1880 revealed for all to see. Ted Curtis, vice president of capital planning and facilities management, and Candace Campbell Jackson, vice president of student success and vice provost for academic success, are scheduled to speak. Representatives from the Geosciences Club and Undergraduate Student Government will be on hand as well.
It was a few decades after The Rock's installation that the tradition of painting it began as a way for students to show school spirit, cheer on a team, or welcome pledges to fraternities or sororities.
The tradition is expected to continue. But, for at least a day, The Rock will look like a rock.
The Rock painted to welcome new grads.
The commemorative plaque to be installed with The Rock.
Natalie Murray, left, Chris Biro and Abby Ritter are among the students who helped clean The Rock ahead of the dedication ceremony.