Adrian College - Campus

Campus

On June 30, 2005, Stanley P. Caine retired after 16 years as president of Adrian College. The next day, Jeffrey Docking became Adrian College's 17th president, after serving as a vice president at Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania. Since arriving at Adrian, Docking has introduced many plans to revitalize Adrian College and its campus, including construction of new buildings, renovation of old ones, and programs related to athletics such as the construction of a new Arrington Ice Arena. Many of these initiatives are grouped under his "Renaissance Project".

Docking's initiatives and related changes have caused some controversy. The decision to introduce mandatory four-year residency for all students "to raise funds" is a departure from previous policies. At a town hall-style meeting between students and administration concerning the drastic changes in housing policy, the Dean of Student Life declared that the new policy was essential because Adrian College had been in imminent danger of closing, thus rendering any Adrian degree "worthless." In contrast, deposits for fall 2007 exceeded 550 by July 2007.

Renaissance II has begun with a focus on academic enhancements. An all-college retreat in August 2008 in Dearborn was used to help set priorities for new initiatives, such as a series of institutes. The goal of Renaissance II is to enhance the academics at Adrian College to better prepare students for excellence and success in the ever-changing world. The college is making renovations and expansions to the Science, Business, Visual Arts, and Performing Arts departments.

• Greek system: Greek life on campus includes five nationally recognized fraternities: Alpha Tau Omega, Phi Kappa Sigma, Theta Chi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Tau Kappa Epsilon. There are three nationally recognized sororities: Alpha Phi, Alpha Sigma Alpha, and Chi Omega. There is also one local sorority: Delta Nu Kappa.
• Downs Hall: Built in 1860, Downs is the only building remaining from Adrian's original campus. The structure houses the Stubnitz Art Gallery and the Downs Hall Theatre. The building has served several functions through the years. Local legend contends it is the home of the Downs Hall Ghost, and students tell tales of late-night footsteps and strange sounds.
• The "A": The class of 1914 placed a large concrete "A" at the front of campus near Madison Street. The structure is traditionally reserved for engaged couples only.
• The Mound: The class of 1869 wanted to leave Adrian College a gift of unique distinction. Since money was hard to acquire during the days immediately following the Civil War, the class used earth for its memorial as a symbol of Adrian's strength. They intended to erect a statue of Asa Mahan, the college's first president; however, the funds did not materialize. The statue was never erected and the mound has stood since that day at the front of the campus.
• The One Piece Threshold: One of the oldest landmarks of the college is an old stone threshold now used as a seat near the entrance to Valade Hall. The step was originally placed in front of Valade Hall in December 1859.
• South Hall Bell: For more than 100 years, the College Bell hung in the cupola atop South Hall. It rang for classes, meals and daily chapel services as well as weddings, funerals, graduations and other special occasions. In 1960, South Hall was torn down to make way for the Herrick Carillon Tower. Placed inside the tower, the bell remained silent and was almost forgotten until the Class of 1984 donated funds to move the bell to a place near Shipman Library. The Class of 1999 provided funds to incorporate the bell into the entrance walkway of the renovated library.
• The Rock: Originally, according to school legend, the rock was about three times larger because it was all above ground. The story claims that a transfer student from Albion and two friends decided in 1962 to do "the biggest thing to hit Adrian that year!" Under the cover of darkness, they buried it. Eventually, part of it resurfaced. Students have painted it countless times with messages and themes.
• The Cane Ceremony: A few years ago, the alumni Office polled alumni on their favorite memory of Adrian College. Topping the list was the Cane Ceremony, which follows commencement every spring. Grace Wells Haviland, president of the class of 1921, carried the Shepherd's Crook to the Mound during the first outdoor Cane Ceremony. Today, the ceremony is performed on the commencement stage and each year the graduationng class affixes its colors to the Shepherd's Crook. These colored ribbons are imprinted with the names of each class graduate. The president of the class then hands it to the president of the next class. Though the Cane Ceremony began in 1921, the cane itself — and the custom of affixing class colors to it — dates from 1887. The date 1887 and the words Non Sine Labote (Climb Without Falling) are carved on the staff. The monument in front of the Mound commemorates the Cane Ceremony. It was a gift to the college from the Class of 1987.
• The Outdoor Chapel: The rustic outdoor "chapel in the woods" was located where the Adrian College Chapel now sits. Outdoor services were held on rough benches. Students of 50 years ago warmly tell of spending quiet time in the lovely place.

Landmarks, Legends & Lore, Adrian College