I had the pleasure this weekend of returning to both my hometown and my alma mater, The University of Chicago, to discuss my book, The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage” and American journalism. It was a glorious day on campus and I wanted to share a few photos if you have not been to the university.
In walking into Rockefeller Chapel, it did not seem that long ago that I sat there at my own graduation despite being over 40 years ago. It was a magnificent setting to receive a degree.
One of my favorite stories concerning the Chapel involved 1960’s comedy legend (and founder of The Second City) Severn Darden who liked to sneak into Rockefeller Chapel at night to play the massive E.M. Skinner organ, one of the largest in the world. It would rock the campus. On one night, campus security reportedly surprised him and Darden ran to the altar, threw himself on the ground, and demanded “sanctuary!”
The campus is especially beautiful in the spring. Despite the growth of the campus footprint with many new buildings, the core of the campus remains reassuringly unchanged from the vine covered walkways to the tiny Bond chapel.
If you are ever near Hyde Park, it is worth a visit.
A beautiful campus. Thank you the pictures.
Severn Darden was a member of the University Theatre where he met my dad. They each had a mischievous nature but Severn’s nature (and humor) was without compare.
Thank you for the article and the nice pictures
My mother, born in 1912, grew up very near the university and told me what a wonderful area it was at that time. However in the 1960s it apparently had turned into a pretty bad neighborhood. Hope that it’s improved since then as the school’s architecture looks spectacular.
My Mom met my Dad there in 1947. It has a special place in our lives also.
Thanks for sharing.
It looks beautiful there. I can almost imagine a Hogwarts vibe.
Neo-Gothic architecture is the best, or at least most appropriate, for important buildings. The University of Michigan and the University of Washington law schools, and probably many others, are notable examples of neo-Gothic architecture.
It looks beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Why or what is meant by Maroon Spring?
It looks beautiful.
It’s the name(s) of our university sports teams (and also those of U-High) — and the student newspaper. Has been since 1894 when UofC adopted the color which in turn became our nicknames. Alumnus of both U-High and the University…
I have been to Oxford in England and the University of Chicago campus is breathtaking and eclipses Oxford’s campus by a wide margin. Classic and Beautiful.
The most beautiful thing about the University of Chicago is its stated “Principles” regarding free speech, issued in 2014. How appropriate for you to return there to discuss your book.
The Oriental Institute is also special.
This precisely replicates the “manifest tenor” of the American Founders.
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AI Overview
In 2014, the University of Chicago’s Committee on Freedom of Expression created the “Chicago Principles” to articulate the university’s commitment to free, robust, and uninhibited debate and deliberation. These principles, also known as the “Chicago Statement,” emphasize that debate or deliberation should not be suppressed due to offensive, unwise, or wrong
headed ideas. The principles have been adopted by many other universities and colleges.
The Chicago Principles are based on the following core values:
Free, robust, and uninhibited debate: Universities should foster environments where ideas can be freely discussed and challenged.
Free expression: Students and faculty should have the freedom to express their views without fear of censorship or retaliation.
Academic freedom: Universities should protect the freedom of faculty to teach and research without fear of undue influence or interference.
Fostering students to engage with challenging ideas: Universities should encourage students to grapple with complex and controversial ideas, even if they find them uncomfortable.
In essence, the Chicago Principles aim to create a university environment where all voices can be heard and where intellectual curiosity and debate are valued.
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