The uniformity of the architectural style on Washington University’s campus is a large part of its aesthetic appeal. However, tucked away in the midst of Wash. U.’s charming medieval environs are some quirky—and perhaps even bizarre—elements. While veteran students and faculty are hardly fazed, these certainly garner incredulous looks from freshmen that are new to campus.

Freshman Press Photo Team

The bunny statue sits on Washington University’s campus, located near Graham Chapel and the Mallinckrodt Center.

The Bronze Bunny

This sculpture by Barry Flanagan is officially called Thinker on a Rock, and it is meant to be a satirical take on the world-famous sculpture The Thinker, by Auguste Rodin. Perhaps the ridiculousness of a rabbit being in such a serious pose is a reminder for us to not take ourselves too seriously—ironic that it would be placed in a university. However, whether it actually conveys this message, or any message at all, is debatable. Some students embrace the bunny’s presence to such an extent that they knit sweaters for it. Others rebel against its presence by systematically refusing to meet their friends there, while still others (like me!) can’t be bothered to do anything other than roll their eyes at both groups.

Swamp Creature Friends (or Foes?)

Similar to the Bunny, the Swamp Creature Friends art installation is also a highly controversial, important landmark on campus. The artist, Tom Friedman, is a Wash. U. alumnus and St. Louis native who specializes in putting a creative spin on reusable materials. Although it is a relatively recent addition to campus, this wiry configuration has elicited various responses from students. While some believe that its neon green visage is out of place amongst the more conservative architecture of the South 40, some strongly believe that this unconventional splash of color is just what this campus needs.

Pop-up Squirrels

Of all the animals we share our campus with, squirrels are perhaps the most friendly and adorable. But while looking at them clamber on trees from a safe distance is one thing, seeing these adorable squirrels suddenly materialize from the garbage can when you’re throwing away your trash is quite another. While I appreciate that squirrels need sustenance, I cannot appreciate the fact that the shock can shave a good few years off your life.

The Omnipresence of Umrath

A couple of days ago, I had to get to Umrath Lounge for a meeting. Just as any other confused freshman (or Dora the Explorer) would, I summoned a map of campus from my trusty backpack. Imagine my surprise when there were not one, but two Umraths on the map, neither of which was the lounge! Perhaps my subsequent investigation would’ve been more enjoyable if it wasn’t a frantic race against time under the hot afternoon sun. Luckily, I did get to the meeting eventually, but the similarity of names and appearances of these buildings on campus continues to torment me to this day. For future reference, Umrath Lounge is in Umrath Hall, near the Mallinckrodt Center.

A Case of Mistaken Identities

If you take a college’s quad to be a rectangular space surrounded by buildings, both Brookings Quadrangle and Mudd Field qualify. In fact, if you think about it, not only is Mudd Field the unofficial center of the Danforth campus, but it’s also much bigger than Brookings Quad. So, I’m sure no one could blame me for laboring under the impression that Mudd Field was Brookings Quad and wandering in multiple circles, looking for a Duncker Hall, that simply wasn’t there.

While these eccentricities may frustrate us, waste our time and offend our logical sensibilities, they are what give our campus character. I firmly believe that the ability to locate Umrath House and Umrath Hall is what distinguishes a Wash. U. student from all the rest.