Discovery Series – Boston University
A blog reader notified me about the release of this new mug from Campus Collection. When I saw pictures of the Discovery Series – Boston University mug, I instantly liked the red colors used in the design. I think this colour works particularly well here, although I must say that isn’t always true for other mugs in the collection.
Boston University was founded in 1839 by Methodist ministers as the Newbury Biblical Institute in Newbury, Vermont, before relocating to Boston in 1867 and receiving its university charter in 1869. The institution became a pioneer in higher education access, admitting women in 1872 and graduating the first African American woman to earn a college degree in the United States. BU established its Charles River Campus in the 1930s-1960s, transforming a stretch of Commonwealth Avenue into an urban campus integrated with Boston’s fabric. Under the presidency of John Silber, who led from 1971 to 1996, BU evolved from a commuter school into a major research university, now ranking among the world’s top institutions with over 34,000 students from more than 130 countries.
Here are some of the BU buildings from the design of the mug:
– Marsh Chapel rises above Commonwealth Avenue as BU’s spiritual center, completed in 1950 with its distinctive tower and carillon chiming across campus. This interdenominational chapel hosts services, concerts, and the famous Christmas Eve carol service broadcast nationally. The Gothic Revival structure serves as an architectural landmark and gathering place for the university community.
– The BU Data Science building represents the university’s commitment to cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration in technology and analytics. This modern facility houses faculty and students working at the intersection of computer science, statistics, and domain expertise. The building symbolizes BU’s investment in emerging fields shaping the future.
– Boston University Castle stands as one of the campus’s most distinctive buildings, a Tudor Revival mansion built in 1915 as a private residence before BU acquired it. The Castle now houses the university president’s office and hosts special events with its period architecture and riverside location. This landmark building adds historic character to BU’s urban campus.
– Warren Towers is BU’s largest residence hall, housing over 1,800 students in an 18-story complex along Commonwealth Avenue. Known simply as “Warren,” this iconic dorm provides the quintessential freshman experience for many BU students. The towers dominate the western campus skyline and represent undergraduate residential life.
– BU Beach is the nickname for a grassy area along the Charles River where students gather to study, sunbathe, and relax during warm weather. Despite lacking actual sand, this popular spot offers views of the river and the Cambridge skyline. BU Beach embodies campus outdoor culture and the riverside location that students cherish.
– Boston University Terriers represent BU’s 24 varsity athletic teams competing in NCAA Division I, with ice hockey being the most celebrated program. The Terriers have won five national hockey championships and produced numerous Olympic athletes. BU’s athletic tradition fosters school spirit and competitive excellence across sports.
– Rhett the Boston Terrier serves as BU’s beloved mascot, representing the feisty spirit of the university’s athletic teams. The Boston Terrier dog breed’s connection to the city makes it a natural choice for the university’s symbol. Rhett appears at games and events, rallying fans and embodying Terrier pride.
The design of the Boston University mug also captures some of the traditions of the University:
– The pumpkin drop is BU’s quirky Halloween tradition where students gather to watch pumpkins dropped from the roof of Warren Towers, exploding spectacularly on impact. This annual event draws crowds who celebrate the messy spectacle as a stress relief during midterm season. The tradition showcases BU’s playful side and student-created campus culture.
– Tagging the BU Rock is a longstanding tradition where student groups paint messages, announcements, and artwork on a large boulder on campus. The rock changes appearance constantly as different organizations claim it for their causes or events. This tradition provides students with a sanctioned outlet for creative expression and campus communication.
