Background

Here, in front of Mckeldin Library, lies the original University of Maryland Testudo. The statue is a gift from the class of 1993 after the football coach decided the diamondback terrapin should be the schools mascot. After extensive fundraising by the class of 1993, the sculptor Aristride Cianfrani created the bronze statue. Since 1993, there has been a tradition of rubbing Testudo's nose for good luck.