The Cornerstone: A Symbol

The Cornerstone: A Symbol. . , James Wickersham saw the cornerstone as key to keeping the idea of a college alive. "The interest of the people must not be permitted to lag," he wrote in June 1915, three months after he secured the land from Congress but two years before the legislature created the school., By 1956 the university was growing, but the cornerstone's prominence had waned. When a contractor mistakenly moved it to a debris field, the alumni association director campaigned to restore it., The cornerstone was reinstalled in 1962 with a plaque explaining its symbolism., Its rededication on July 6, 2015, represents the first celebration of the university's centennial. UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers noted that one hundred years ago, Alaska's leaders backed this institution. Looking ahead, he said, we recall their wisdom. "Our university is key to ensuring Alaska's bright future.", [Photo captions, counterclockwise from top left, read] , . LEFT At the college's dedication day ceremonies on Sept 13, 1922, Louise (later Mrs. Adolph Murie) and Louis Gette stand on the cornerstone to assist Paul Klebb, left, and another unidentified member of the Army Signal Corps with the raising of the Alaska flag, . ABOVE The first president of the University of Alaska, Charles Bunnell, stands with his successor, Terris Moore, near the right side of the cornerstone during the 1949 Emeritus Day ceremonies., . LEFT Ernest N. Patty, president emeritus of the University of Alaska, and Theodore A. Loftus '27 pose with the cornerstone following its reinstallation in front of the Bunnell Building in 1962., . ABOVE Speakers and officials gather around the cornerstone. From left are Sindy Mendez-Espino, Wally Carlo, Annette Freiberger, Sam Enoka, Nancy James, Trimble Gilbert, Anna Frank, Aaron Schutt, Doug Goering, Jo Heckman, John Coghill, Mike Straga, Howard Hornbuckle, Byron Mallott, Scott Jepsen, John Eberhart, Brian Rogers, Steve Mitchell, Evon Peter, John Davies, Karl Kassel and Ethan Schutt., . ABOVE Chancellor Brian Rogers speaks to the crowd at the 2015 rededication of the cornerstone.