New mural at Birmingham-Southern College pays tribute to school symbol (PHOTOS)

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If you’ve ever been on Birmingham-Southern College’s campus, you know it’s beautiful. All red brick and greenery—and in the fall, it’s even more stunning.

Several art students at BSC created a mural on campus that represents one of the school’s most beloved symbols—keep reading to check it out!

The Ginkgo is Significant to BSC’s History

The twin Ginkgo trees on BSC’s campus form a scene that lives in the memory of thousands of graduates. They hold a spot of special honor on the Birmingham-Southern campus, and not for their simple beauty alone.

Over the decades, the two Ginkgo trees along the winding path from Stockham to Munger Memorial Hall have inspired artwork by professors and students, logos for giving societies, gifts for graduates and friends of the college, and more.

The Trees are Legendary

According to campus legend, classes are canceled on the day the Ginkgo trees shed their leaves. Reports are mixed on whether or not legend ever holds true, but I’m quite convinced it’s an annual proposition by BSC students.

Birmingham-Southern College Folklore states that in one book about campus life, BSC’s Ginkgos are mentioned.

“The pastoral campus with large shady trees and flower beds has historically been the ideal image of campuses because it embodies the peace and contemplation evoked by nature.”

Simon Bronner, “Piled Higher and Deeper: The Folklore of Campus Life”

BSC’s Twin Ginkgo Trees Have Been a Campus Staple for 50+ Years

The trees have been on Birmingham-Southern College’s hilltop campus since the late 1950s and were given as a gift from Mary Griffin Johns Doster in memory of Frances Sensabaugh Real, a member of the class of 1955, who passed away in 1957.

Darwin called the Ginkgo “a living fossil.” The Ginkgo is said to be the oldest living seed-bearing plant, and, as such, it has become a symbol of longevity and of hope.

Art Students Pay Tribute with a Mural on Campus

Birmingham-Southern College is a liberal arts institution that has no shortage of creatively talented students. The BSC Art Students League was approached by the student government to create a mural on an unused part of campus.

Around 7 students had a hand in creating this piece of art that is composed of the Ginkgo leaves that are so special to BSC.

Ginkgo Tree Car Tags Support Alabama Students

The latest Ginkgo-inspired creation is BSC’s new car tags. The money from the car tags goes toward Driven to Succeed, a special scholarship for Alabama residents.

Know of other new murals popping up around town? Be sure to let us know by tagging us on social @BhamNow

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