March 24, 2016

Celebrating 50 years: Solid as a rock

New video celebrates colourful history of two landmarks standing at the centre of the student experience
Image of The Rock sitting in its original location outside MacEwan Hall. It’s been painted with many sayings over the years – but this 1978 one makes any parent proud! Rock On! #Ucalgary50.

Image of The Rock sitting in its original location outside MacEwan Hall.

UARC 84.005/27.31/78-0157-12

Whether you walk by them, read them, paint them, like them or hate them — “The Rocks” have become a symbol of free expression at the University of Calgary. Experts say the rocks are limestone glacial erratic from the Jasper region — students say the rocks are a canvas to reflect opinion, protest and points of pride. The rocks have been around almost as long as the university. Many may not look past the paint — but these stones have seen a lot in the last 48 years. Our Alumni team dug up the facts and created a two-minute video telling their story called Rock On! Alumni are being called to “Paint the Rock” on April 30, as part of the first-ever alumni weekend.

Rock On