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BU Rock

A tie-wearing graffiti artist? The BU Rock provides a (legal) spot for Greek groups to spray their names on campus. Photo by Vernon Doucette

BU Rock Tops 1,000 Layers of Paint

In the shade of the School of Law tower and the shelter of Marsh Chapel sits a small rock. How small? No one is quite sure anymore because the rock is covered in more than 1,000 layers of spray paint.

The Boston University Greek Rock—more commonly known as the BU Rock—is regularly tagged by fraternities and sororities competing with each other to make an administration-approved mark on campus. During the annual Greek Week, it becomes an acrylic-covered chameleon, changing color (and Greek letters) almost daily.

The BU Rock used to live on Commonwealth Avenue at the BU Bridge, but was moved to its present location on the BU Beach after a campus walkways improvement project in 2007. One day, the rock may even snag a world record—just 17,000 layers of paint to go.

Dean of Students Kenn Elmore (top) during the BU Rock’s 2007 move. At its new home on the BU Beach, the rock is subject to color changes come snow or sun.
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Dean of Students Kenn Elmore (top) during the BU Rock’s 2007 move. At its new home on the BU Beach, the rock is subject to color changes come snow or sun. Photos by BU Photography

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