The Marriott Library used the Sugar Bowl trophy to lure hundreds of students into the building Tuesday afternoon.
Librarians put the trophy on display in front of the new Knowledge Commons section so that students could become familiar with the new computer lab. The Knowledge Commons, on the second floor of the library, has dozens of computers installed with hundreds of programs and replaces the multimedia center on the first floor. Some of the computers on the first floor will be retained.
“I’ve seen plenty of students on them as late as 9:30 or 10 at night,” said librarian Peter Kraus. However, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., students were content to just take pictures with the trophy and the library’s special guest, the U mascot Swoop.
Dallin Rempp, a senior, saw the photo opportunity on his way through the library. He said he’s looking forward to tagging himself online in a picture he took with the trophy. A photographer was on hand to handle the photos and will upload the pictures to the library’s Facebook page.
Unfortunately, Rempp just missed Swoop, who vanished an hour early without notice.
“He’s a lot like Batman,” said Mary Ross, the library’s grants and contracts director.
In an exclusive interview with the mascot, Swoop said he appreciated the library wanting to use his fame to promote the new renovation.
Whatever the mascot’s motives, his presence and the trophy worked. The Knowledge Commons was packed with students. Rempp, fresh from his photo with the trophy, decided to check out the brand new service area.
Sean SullivanAlex Wilson, Vickie Chen, Swoop and Hanna Kaier pose for photos during the opening of the Knowledge Commons in the Marriott Library. Library administrator Mary Ross took the photos of students with Swoop and the Sugar Bowl trophy that were posted on Facebook.