The Gargoyle

As I leave for the reunion, here's the University of Wisconsin Law School alumni magazine's explanation of why the Gargoyle is its name and the school's symbol.

The Gargoyle was one of two that graced the roof of the original [University of Wisconsin] Law Building, built on Bascom Hill in 1893.

Until that building was torn down in 1962, these two sentinels watched the comings and goings of students, faculty and staff. When the wrecking ball hit the building, no one thought of saving them until then-Dean George Young, walking up Bascom Hill, noticed that one had survived its fall and lay intact on the grass. Dean Young immediately decided that it should be preserved.

And so it was, and is.

The Gargoyle says it is a fitting name and symbol because of its "representing the strength and spirit of our University of Wisconsin Law School... ." In case you thought it was a fitting name and symbol because "no one thought of saving them ... ."