Statue at the start of the event. Photo Credit: Vincent Arroyo.
On September 19, SUNY Old Westbury unveiled its newest statue, a bust depicting 17th century Danish physician Ole Worm. The event was held in the afternoon on the Campus Center Meadow Terrace. Announced by University President Dr. Timothy E. Sams at the recent Fall Convocation, the purpose of the event was to show students’ creativity.
Ole Worm, as per Wikipedia, was a Danish physician, natural historian, and a professor at the University of Copenhagen in the 17th century. Described as a “perpetual student,” Ole Worm lived to learn, and it seems his marble gaze is meant to inspire students to be their very best academic self.
Earlier in the day, rumor had it that the statue had been defaced, leading this reporter to believe that something inappropriate had been drawn on Ole Worm’s storied face. Or maybe his head had been cut off, a la the classic Simpsons episode.
Covered in a tarp, an ocean of students waited with bated breath to see what had become of the statue. As the bust was unveiled, it became apparent that the “defacing” of the Ole Worm bust was more harmless than previously thought.
Students Decorating Ole Worm. Photo Credit: Vincent Arroyo.
As revealed on their Instagram, the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Center (WGSS) had taken it upon themselves to give Ole Worm a makeover, writing popular phrases and hashtags on the podium. “Love is love” said one and “#BLM” read another. Lighthearted moments like this are what make SUNY Old Westbury special, and a message for love and unity can hardly be classified as “defacing.”
After a brief word from Vice President of Student Affairs, Randall Edouard, students were invited to go up and decorate the statue. Most opted to wear plastic gloves and paint Ole Worm with their hands. In fact, the very first thing someone did is give Ole Worm a dark green handprint on his face.
Afterwards, students lined up to the Mister Softee trucks for their free ice cream. As for how the students felt, they seemed generally fond of the experience, or rather, fond of the free ice cream. “Free ice cream is pog,” said Bryan, a first year. Most students, when asked their opinions on the event, gave the age old platitude, “It’s nice.”
