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'Alma Mater' was created by Lorado Zadoc Taft (April 29, 1860 – Oct. 30, 1936), an American sculptor, writer and educator, born in Elmwood, Ill. Image courtesy of University of Illinois.

University of Illinois Alma Mater statue goes back to school

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
'Alma Mater' was created by Lorado Zadoc Taft (April 29, 1860 – Oct. 30, 1936), an American sculptor, writer and educator, born in Elmwood, Ill. Image courtesy of University of Illinois.
‘Alma Mater’ was created by Lorado Zadoc Taft (April 29, 1860 – Oct. 30, 1936), an American sculptor, writer and educator, born in Elmwood, Ill. Image courtesy of University of Illinois.

URBANA, Ill. (AP) – The University of Illinois’ Alma Mater sculpture has returned to campus after a year and a half away.

Campus officials say the 85-year-old sculpture began its trip home from Chicago early on Wednesday and was back in place on the corner of Wright and Green streets midmorning. The installation took several hours.

The 10,000-pound bronze sculpture was created by artist Lorado Taft. Generations of students have had their photos taken with it.

The statue was moved and disassembled in in 2012 for cleaning and a massive restoration.

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On the web:

Webcam of Alma Mater, http://illinois.edu/about/tours/almacam.html

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ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE

'Alma Mater' was created by Lorado Zadoc Taft (April 29, 1860 – Oct. 30, 1936), an American sculptor, writer and educator, born in Elmwood, Ill. Image courtesy of University of Illinois.
‘Alma Mater’ was created by Lorado Zadoc Taft (April 29, 1860 – Oct. 30, 1936), an American sculptor, writer and educator, born in Elmwood, Ill. Image courtesy of University of Illinois.