The Mason Gross Memorial

The Mason Gross Memorial -- the 25th year reunion gift of the Class of 1968 -- was designed to celebrate the life of one of the most widely respected, admired and popular presidents in the university's history. It was intended to serve as a permanent place for the late president in the hearts, minds and eyes of the Rutgers community.

This alcove with its impressive bronze bas-relief and adjoining granite bench and patio became a campus landmark soon after its construction in the fall of 1994. It stands prominently before the Office of the Dean of Rutgers College at Milledoler Hall on Voorhees Mall where a tradition has developed of rubbing the late president's nose for good luck. The Rutgers Alumni Association has called the memorial's dedication ceremony itself an historical event for the university.

Sculptor
Thomas Jay Warren

Memorial Chairman
Daniel L. Ben-Asher

Class President
Andrew R. Jacobs

25th Reunion Chairman
Garry Katz

For additional information, contact RU-info at 732-932-info (4636) or colonelhenry.rutgers.edu.
Comments and corrections to: Campus Information Services.

Last Updated: 02/05/2007

Alongside the larger than life portrait, Mason Gross is described as "Professor, Scholar, Student of Philosophy, Civic leader. Defender of Academic Freedom, Champion of the Arts."

A quote from his 1959 Inaugural Address is also inscribed: "I can think of no words in the English language more beautiful than the words 'a free spirit' ... It must always be the ultimate aim of this university to provide the atmosphere and the intellectual conditions by which alone the free spirit can survive."