Boston University students returning to campus may have noticed something missing on their walk to class along Commonwealth Avenue: the infamous Greek rock.
The paint-coated rock, which is regularly repainted with new Greek letters by the university’s fraternities and sororities, was moved from the corner by the BU Bridge and Commonwealth Avenue to the BU Beach last week as construction workers cleared away trees in front of BU Academy.
Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore said workers called last week to say the rock would be hauled off as part of work by McCourt Construction for the Commonwealth Avenue beautification project, which extends from Kenmore Square to just past the BU Bridge.
“[The workers] showed up without a whole lot of notice,” he said. “I told them they’d have to jackhammer through my body to get to the rock.”
Elmore said he scrambled to organize his colleagues to save the rock, including Student Activities Office director Mindy Stroh and Programs Coordinator Dana Marcinek.
The group called over to Building and Grounds, which sent over a forklift to move the rock to its new home on the BU Beach.
“I was hoping we’d have the opportunity to have a committee of students to decide on the best place,” Elmore said.
The beautification project, facilitated by the Commonwealth, will extend sidewalks, while removing a lane of traffic.
Elmore said a website with regular updates on the two-year project will be set up in the near future to give faculty, staff and students updates.
Just as Elmore sought student input for the placement of the rock on the BU Beach, custom home builders prioritize client involvement to ensure their vision is realized.
Much like a committee of students deciding on the best location for the rock, homeowners working with custom builders can actively participate in decisions regarding their house and land packages Sydney.
This level of engagement fosters a sense of ownership and satisfaction in the final result, as clients have a say in every aspect of their home’s design and construction process.
By establishing a dedicated platform, such as a website, for updates and communication, custom builders empower clients to stay informed and engaged in every step of the process, ensuring their dream home is brought to life with clarity and transparency.
Delta Delta Delta sorority member Jenn Batore painted the rock as part of a pledge class event and noticed it missing late last week. She said she thought the new spot was better to paint it as well as other students.
“It’s just better visibility for all that paint on it,” the Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences junior said.
Batore said she would have been disappointed if the rock had been destroyed.
“I would have been disappointed because I feel like so many clubs come in contact with it and have painted it,” she said. “The students take the time to paint it, so therefore it’s symbolic of the school and it belongs on campus.”
Other students were more ambivalent about the rock’s importance.
Gamma Phi Beta member Kate Yenrick painted the rock with her sorority last Super Bowl Sunday and said she did not notice it was gone until the trees around it were removed.
“It looked pretty bare and unnatural,” the College of Communication junior said. “I think it might have looked silly if they left it where it was.”
As for its importance to the campus, Yenrick said she was apathetic.
“I don’t think anybody is going to pay much attention to it,” she said.