Wall of "Expression"

Updated 07-Sep

On the Case Forum, it has been reported that an "expression" wall has been erected behind Thwing Center. The wall is estimated to be 10 feet tall, and is placed along the wall of the Bookstore.

It is assumed that the wall was set up to be similar to the "Spirit Rock" turned Doc Oc memorial near the North Residential Village. Further evidence has been obtained from a construction worker that the wall is intended as a "graffiti wall" for students.

Here's the picture (thanks to Andrew Witte)

Author's Opinion

How unoriginal! Did we happen to have some extra building materials left around, and just decide that a "expression / graffiti" wall was in the best interests of the University community? I honestly could believe that parts of the wall could be devoted to commerical advertising, you know, just to add a bit of cash flow to our strapped fiscal budget. Or maybe we just wanted to prevent people from vandalising the back brick wall of Thwing?

I am quite concerned that this was done without any student input whatsoever. This is probably the one difference between this "wall" and the Spirit Rock. But look at it! It is just like a bulletin board, but bigger! I don't even believe it can ever be a permanent fixture. Can the sheeting survive in a winter storm? Remember master plan? New student center? Right, let's go back to the reason why a Spirit Rock was created in the first place. (BTW, the Spirit Rock is located at Juniper and 115th, next to the Silver Spartan.) The Rock was not only there to advertise about group events, student government elections, and Greek parties, but to be used as a platform for free speech and the power of expression.

While it is memorable to see the Spirit Rock remain "in memorium" for Doc Oc, we do need to move on. As an example, Carnegie Mellon's version was the Fence. On September 11, 2001, the Fence was covered in names of loved ones with unknown fates in the attacks on our country. Out of reverence, no one would paint over it. It was weeks until the student government finally took the plunge and blanked the Fence. Every year since, the Fence has been painted in some memorial fashion.

Why do we argue about painting and blanking out Doc Oc's memory on that rock? He is really inside ourselves, in our hearts, and no one can take or erase that from us. He instilled his sense of energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to teaching thousands of students that have taken his chemistry classes. We remember him as an active member of the community, serving as a celebrity judge on Mr. CWRU, and Hudson Relays coach for the first-year class.

Let the Spirit Rock fulfill its original goal. It has dedicated itself to a fine and beloved professor for more than a year, and it's time to move forward. Already, Housing has removed the posting rules for the Spirit Rock, assuming that the Rock is no longer in use. This is a mistake.

The "expression / graffiti" wall is just boring. Any college or university can put up a wall and call it like that. What a nice, boring way to define our University spirit to everyone else.

Please, Tear down this wall!

05-Sep News

It looks like some students have repainted the Spirit Rock in memory of "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, who was killed by a stingray during filming yesterday. May he rest in peace.

An Idea

One idea for a permanent Doc Oc memorial. It must incorporate the Hudson Relays rock that is in front of Adelbert Hall. As the first-year coach, he strived so hard to push every class to win the Relays race during their first year.