Brookings Hall: A Goodbye to all Alumni

These are images from the chancellor's inauguration on October 12 1962.* It was a joyous event that was attended by students and guests alike during which some individuals were awarded degrees. This exhibit shows the contrasting viewpoint of Brookings Hall with a change in perspective.

From the angle of this photograph, one can see that Brookings Hall is not just a symbol for what Washu offers, but is an entryway into the real world to explore the perspective of post-Washu prospects. From this viewpoint, one can see that the entrance to leave Brookings as a goodbye to one's past WashU experience and a hello to the future upon graduation. This was not just true in the past but it is also true in the present due to this area being a popular spot to take graduation photos, conduct graduations, and host student orientations which show the versatility of Brookings Hall's usability. This exhibit shows the duality of the perception of the Brookings Hall entrance being a place of welcome to a new chancellor just as it can be to new students while also being a farewell to graduates and alumni leaving them with fond memories of the experiences within WashU's walls in preparation for their futures to come.

*"Washington University Magazine, November 1962" , 7. (1962). Bernard Becker Medical Library Archives. Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri. https://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/ad_wumag/9