The Lay of the Land
The University of Louisville’s Belknap Campus (not to get you confused, but that’s mostly where you’re going to be during your undergraduate years) has its share of interesting (and strange) places and their accompanying superstitions and traditions.
Library Dancer
Right by the sidewalk leading straight into Ekstrom Library, this mysterious dancer has been the subject of much student interest. Though we don’t encourage making like her and parading through campus in a bathing suit, students often give her a rub for good luck on their finals.
Music Note Collage
On the south side of the School of Music (facing the Planetarium, away from Cardinal Boulevard) hangs what appears to be just a big collage of quarter and eighth notes. Don’t let it fool you, though–take a few steps back and you’ll see it is the shape of a Cardinal flying upward. Keep your ears open for music students cranking out a few notes flying out the windows, too, something that’s always neat to hear on a warm spring day.
Cardinal Bird Statue
Though this cardinal bird may not be the same as the one you see at university events, it nevertheless has its own flair and character. This statue right outside of Cardinal Arena at the SAC on Floyd Street is a relic of past designs. Check out the smilin’ bird as he welcomes new students and visitors to campus.
Sand Volleyball Court
Outside of Threlkeld Hall is a sand volleyball court that is typically opened up to all students. Join in a game if you’d like, but be sure to not show up in class looking like you’ve been dropped in the Sahara.
Johnny Unitas Statue
Right outside of the Schnellenberger Complex, before the north endzone of Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium stands the legendary quarterback himself. One of UofL’s most celebrated athletes, Johnny U’s number 16 jersey is the only football Cardinal jersey with both it and the number retired. This statue helps commemorate Unitas’ stellar career, as football players give him a rub for good luck before taking the field.
Brandeis’ Ashes
As the first Jewish person named to the U.S. Supreme Court, Louisville native Louis Brandeis is one of the city’s most famous historical figures. Brandeis graduated from Harvard Law School in only two years, with the highest grade point average in the school’s history. Many landmarks throughout the city bear the Brandeis name, and his legacy also lives on with the donation of his many scholarly works to the Law Library. The ashes of Brandeis and his wife are buried beneath the portico at the entrance to the law school, which is named in his honor. Law students placecoins over Brandeis’ final resting place before finals in the hopes of conjuring up his legendary wisdom and passion for their own work.