The tradition of touching the brain rock is stupid
Rub it, and you might pass your next exam
A visit to the University of Iowa would be absolutely incomplete without a stop at the “Brain Rock”. Located in the middle of the T. Anne Cleary walkway, it is one of the best known landmarks on campus.
It’s huge and literally smack-dab in the middle of the north campus path, making it impossible to miss.
Why is it such a well-known landmark thought? Well, supposedly rubbing it will give students good academic luck.
Created by British artist Peter Randall-Page, “Ridge and Furrow” arrived at the university in 2011. Its uncanny resemblance to a brain gave the sculpture it’s endearing nickname.
There are a variety of collegiate traditions that often have to do with landmarks. Passing over Iowa State’s zodiac floor inlay at their memorial union will supposedly give you bad luck. The University of Northern Iowa has a tradition called “campaniling”, where they go to the large bell tower (a campanile) the night before homecoming and kiss someone.
Originally it was to steal a smooch from a lover, but apparently nowadays if you don’t do it before graduating, a brick will supposedly hit you on the head.
I’m not superstitious, so I scoff whenever I see tour groups crowding in the T. Anne Cleary walkway to get a look at the infamous rock.
While some people do agree with me, I guess others really are firm believers in the powers of the brain rock. I got everything from verbal attacks to raving believers gushing about it’s powers when asking students’ opinions.
Screenshot courtesy of Liana Salgado
So, do you touch the Brain Rock? Do you believe in its powers?
Dylan Larino, Sophomore, English major:
“Every time I touched the brain rock, I did horrible on my exam.”
Carter Burns, Freshman, Actuarial Science major:
“Yes, but it conveniently always slips my mind.”
Celeste Staudt, Freshman, Open major
“I don’t want to touch it because people pee on it when they’re drunk.”
Although there seems to be a bit of negativity surrounding the rock, half of the thirty students who were asked admitted to touching the rock, whether they truly believed in its powers or just wanted to partake in the tradition.
Whether you take comfort in the true power of the Brain Rock, abhor the superstitious believers, or simply enjoy sitting on it as I do, our rock is without a doubt one of the most unique things on campus.