University monitors to stop fountain runs

By Kurt Esposito
Summer Editor

It has been a tradition for seniors to make a "fountain run" upon graduating from Purdue — a tradition that ends this year.

On April 9 the Purdue administration announced a decision to erect fences around the campus's two main fountains, the Class of 1939 water sculpture on the Purdue Mall and the Loeb Fountain at Founders Park. The purpose of the fences was to ensure no one would get hurt in the fountains.

The fences were to have been built by graduation but following student and faculty outcries against the decision, the administration decided to delay construction of the fences until a committee looks into what options are in the best interests of the University.

The fountains have remained off since last fall.

It had been an informal tradition for Purdue students to make "fountain runs" during such events as Boiler Gold Rush and graduation.

James Farmer, a senior in the School of Liberal Arts, said he was planning to make a "fountain run" after graduating until he learned the University announced the decision to erect fences around the fountain.

He said not running through the fountain will not take away from his graduation, "but definitely running through the fountain, following through with a tradition would've made it a little better."

The fountains, however, will be turned on for special occasions including brief periods of time during the commencement ceremonies.

Joe Bennett, vice president of University Relations, said, "It’s timed to coincide with the ceremonies so they'll be on when the procession is going through the mall and into the Elliott Hall of Music."

He said the fountains will be turned on 90 minutes prior to the ceremonies and will stay on until and hour after the ceremonies.

Purdue staff will monitor the fountains to ensure that students do not run through them; however, Peggy Felker, one of the monitors, said walking through the fountains will be allowed as long as there is no running or horseplay.

Julie Norris, a senior in the School of Liberal Arts who is graduating this week, said having a monitor watch over the fountains may encourage students to run through them.

"I think just to prove that it can be done and that there's no harm," she said.

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