Minerva Statue at UNCG

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Minerva, equated with the Greek goddess Athena, was the Roman goddess of poetry, medicine, wisdom, commerce, weaving, crafts, magic and the inventor of music(see here). Minerva is the official seal of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), a fact which is reported on the lengthy Wiki list of institutions of higher education that use Minerva as a logo or seal. Minerva has been featured on the University's diplomas since 1894.  This statue of Minerva, in the above photo, is found on UNCG's campus. It was a 50th anniversary gift from the Class of 1953. James Barnhill, who earned his MFA from UNCG in 1982, sculpted it in 2003. According to a page on the university's website, "Minerva's power and gesturing hand combine grace and power. The upward perspective suggests aspiration and leadership" (reference). 

The approximately 5 ft. tall granite base (peeking out of the bottom of the statue in the photo) has the four names of the university chiseled into it; something that comes in handy for those who seek to be accurate with the University's many names. 1891-- State Normal and Industrial School; 1919-- The North Carolina College for Women; 1932-- The Woman's College of The University of North Carolina; 1963-- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The Minerva statue, installed on College near Jackson Library and Elliott University Center, is worth visiting if you are ever on campus.

Comments

[GreensboroDailyPhoto]

There were some nice comments on our post about the aquatic center on Saturday. If you are local, you might enjoy reading them.

[Dina]

So Minerva had so many responsibilities, eh? I like this statue of her very much. It must be inspiring to the students.

[Irina]

I always like this dress design.. Hides lack of waist, lengthen legs.
))) Many benefits of CDPhoto..

[Sabrown]

Her arms are stretched out as if she is practicing her magic spells ;)