What is the true symbol that represents Clayton State University?

What is the true symbol that represents Clayton State University? 

By Jason G.
 





Clayton State University is regionally known for its nursing and dental hygiene schools, Spivey Hall, and the resident swans, but the most representative symbol of the school is the beautiful on campus lakes. While the grounds are well landscaped, very green and beautiful in their own right, Clayton State would not be the same without its centerpiece--Swan Lake.  Clayton State is proud enough of it's swans to name the lake after them, but in reality, those poor things would have nowhere to swim without this freshwater jewel. 

Moreover, our school mascot happens to be named “Loch the Laker” in honor of the legendary “Loch Ness Monster” creature rumored to feast on the local wildlife. Can you guess where Loch the Laker lives?  You guessed it--Loch lives in the LAKE, of course! And where would we be without our special lakes?  The same place as Michigan without the Great Lakes; the Golden Gate Bridge without the San Francisco Bay to span; the same place as Egypt without the Nile River. These and many other places around the world are defined by their bodies of water, and Clayton State University is no exception.

 

Finally, the lakes differentiate Clayton State from most of the schools in the Atlanta Metro area.  “Check out the sweet view of  the Varsity from Georgia Tech,” “Check out the sweet view of the freeway from Kennesaw State,” or “Check out the sweet view of concrete from the Georgia State's campus,” says no one, ever.  These schools are obviously missing lakes, and that is the reason they are no match for the natural beauty and majesty of the Clayton State University campus.  Let the hipsters have their concrete jungle, congestion and single speed bicycles.  I'll take a relaxing and meditative stroll around a gorgeous lake instead. Our lakes make Clayton State stand out and are the true symbol of our school.

The Bent Tree's Importance at Clayton State University

By Kristin T.



Plaster cast of Clayton State's "Bent Tree" (2012)

As a fifth year senior at Clayton State, I have grown fond of the numerous symbols affiliated with the University. The campus has become famous for its abundant lakes, which house water fowl of all kind, and for it's mascot, Loch, a version of the Loch Ness Monster.  While I enjoy a relaxing walk around Swan Lake to calm my nerves in between tests, I have found that my favorite Clayton State symbol is the Bent Tree. 

While the Bent Tree’s legacy began long before I attended Clayton State, its story has lived on to become the top icon found at the University. Since Clayton State has been in existence, the twisted loblolly pine has been the setting for student yearbook photos and lunch meetings and is a mandatory stop during campus tours. While the original tree itself was cut down in 2001 to make room for the new University Learning Center, a plaster cast was made of the trunk, of course to include the bend. The plaster cast of the tree now stands outside the University Center as an immortal reminder of growth and prosperity. 

The tree itself is a reminder that the college, its students and staff, and its mission are always evolving and expanding, while still honoring the past and still preserving the campus's natural beauty. The removal of the original tree caused a bit of an uproar with concerned citizens and students alike because of the tree’s importance. However, I believe the measures taken by the University to preserve the tree’s essence were enough to appease the angry onlookers by making the already middle-aged pine immortal. With such care to include the icon on its campus, the Bent Tree is by far the most famous symbol representing our school.