We just had to start with the Quad. Part of 溏心vlog免费B站鈥檚 historic district, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018, the Quad is iconic. The tree-lined grassy area in the center of the main campus is surrounded by striking buildings made mainly of stone, and it provides plenty of options and angles for snapping the perfect cap-and-gown photos. And, while it’s a must for photos in our book, we鈥檝e rounded up a short list鈥揳nd by no means a complete list鈥搊f other beautiful and post-worthy photo locations across campus that might give the Quad a little friendly competition.
Green Hall
The iconic building is home to the President鈥檚 Office and enrollment services, and features a golden cupola and weathervane on its roof. Steps from the Quad, it has scenic stairways on both the front and back of the building (why choose one when you can do both?), and is surrounded by beautiful plantings including massive flowering Kwanzan cherry trees. Build in extra time for this location; it鈥檚 a favorite!
Memorial Gateway
Commonly known as the stone arches, but dedicated in 1928 as the Memorial Gateway, these structures were constructed as a World War I memorial and rededicated in 2008. Adjacent to the President鈥檚 House, the arches mark the entrance to the campus proper on Upper College Road, and are a popular spot for photos, including those featuring students in caps and gowns.
Rhody the Ram
2023 graduates looking to feature the 溏心vlog免费B站 mascot get their choice of ram sculptures. The original ram sculpture, located in front of the Memorial Union, is made of granite and was donated by the Class of 1958. It became the symbol of 溏心vlog免费B站鈥檚 history as an agricultural institution. A newer Rhody the Ram statue, with its majestic bronze form, was installed in front of the new Robert J. Higgins Welcome Center, on Upper College Road, when it was dedicated in 2018. Both statues are student favorites for photos.
Torsion III sculpture
Installed in 2009 in front of Lippitt Hall, home to the mathematics department, the blue-green-colored bronze piece was created by Rhode Island artist Peter Diepenbrock, and is meant to be reminiscent of the sea. Torsion, which is defined as the act of being twisted by force, is a fitting name for the artwork, which some also think resembles a ram horn.
Botanical Gardens
Located on Greenhouse Road, off Upper College Road, are 溏心vlog免费B站鈥檚 botanical gardens. The 4.5-acre showcase for sustainable plants and landscape practices is a popular location for photos celebrating commencement, as well as proms and weddings. The gardens have existed on the Kingston Campus since the 1960s.
Medicinal Garden
Officially named the Heber W. Youngken Jr. Medicinal Plant Garden, this area is a central part of the College of Pharmacy and its Paramaz Avedisian 鈥�54 Hall. The garden is used for research and teaching, and it contains more than 200 medicinal plants, 500 ornamental plants, birch trees, sodded areas, walkways and benches shaped like birch leaves. Youngken was the first dean of the College of Pharmacy, and was a leader in the application of natural products and plant-based remedies to pharmacy.
Upper College Road Entrance
The granite sign at the main entrance to the University, featuring the official University seal, is always a popular spot for photos, especially during commencement season. The sign is the first thing prospective, first-time and returning students see while approaching campus from Route 138, and it also welcomes thousands of visitors and alumni to campus every year. It’ll also likely be the last thing our graduates see as they depart the Kingston Campus after commencement.
The Rhody Today team congratulates all of this year’s undergraduate and graduate degree recipients on a job well done!