University of Denver - Kynewisbok Yearbook (Denver, CO)

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History of the Alma Mater Statue The Alma Mater statue standing on the lawn between Margery Reed Memorial Hall and University Hall has been a curious landmark at the University of Denver for decades. The inscription at the base of the sculpture claims that the statue is in memory of Margery Reed Mayo in appreciation of the benefactions of Mrs. Verner Z. Reed, but there is no further clue as to the identities of the two women. Though alma mater has come to mean the school that one has attended or that school's song, a literal translation of alma mater is fostering mother. The taller of the two female figures might represent a mother encouraging her daughter's study of a huge book. The mother-daughter symbolism is more significant when one realizes that Mrs. Verner Z. Reed is none other than Mary Reed, for whom Mary Reed Hall is named, and that Margery Reed was Mary's daughter. Margery graduated from the University of Denver in 1919, married another alumnus Paul Mayo, and died six years later. Mary was a generous benefactor of the University and financed the building of Margery Reed Hall in memory of her daughter. The alma mater statue, sculpted by a Sicilian born artist named Enrico Licari, was unveiled on April 11, 1929 during dedication ceremonies for Margery Reed Hall. The April 11, 1929 Denver Clarion had this description of the statue: The group consists of two symbolic figures. Thelargerone is a feminine figure representing the spirit of educational protection and encouragement. The protector's arm is thrown carelessly and naturally around the shoulders of the other female, which represents the college student. The younger figure is obviously young and supple. She holds in her hand a book symbolic of knowledge. Everything lends to the spirit of naturalness and reality of the group, yet in design and workmanship, the figures are classical. The statue originally stood on the south porch of Margery Reed Hall and was moved to its present location in May, 1949 so to accomodate summer theater groups which used the porch for a stage. Over the years students have offered a number of modifications for the statue, and the two women have at various times sported everything from sweaters to red paint to 10-gallon cowboy hats. Yet they continue to stand, patiently, watching generation after generation of students stroll past. It is satisfying to pause one moment to appreciate the University history and tradition embodied in the statue, and especially to look closely and note that the younger woman's bodice is completely unlaced.