Embedded Files
For the past thirty-five years, a symbol of RIT’s spirit continues to shine and stand solid: the RIT Bronze Bengal. This statue pays homage to the school’s adopted tiger cub, Spirit, while embodying and celebrating his namesake on campus: Student Pride In RIT.
In 1989, the RIT Student Government commissioned wildlife sculptor, D.H.S. “Duff” Wehle, to create a bronze statue of a Bengal tiger representing Spirit. It became an exciting project for students, who funded the initiative to immortalize student pride.
Today, the statue is located just beneath the intersection of the Student Alumni Union and The SHED. Students have invented fun, new traditions such as dressing the statue and putting fruit in his mouth. Old ones persist, with many students taking a picture with him upon entering school or graduation.
Dr. Fred W. Smith: Backing the Bronze
Dr. Fred W. Smith: Backing the Bronze
In 1971, Dr. Fred W. Smith joined RIT as Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Complementary Education, aiming to enhance university-wide student life. Believing that experiences outside the classroom are crucial to a well-rounded education and sought to create a supportive environment that fostered student pride in RIT.
One of Smith’s notable achievements was supporting the student- led initiative to create a permanent symbol of pride: the Bengal Bronze tiger statue. In 1989, Eric Senna (‘91) proposed the idea after seeing a mascot statue at another university. Inspired, Smith facilitated the project by consulting the Dean of the Arts and Crafts College, who recommended wildlife sculptor D.H.S. (“Duff”) Wehle. Thanks to fundraising efforts, the RIT community gathered in November 1989 for the statue’s unveiling, which became a lasting symbol of student pride.
In 2023, after renovations to Wallace Library and SHED, the Bengal Bronze found a new home in the Fred W. Smith Tiger Courtyard, named in honor of Dr. Smith’s contributions to RIT student life. This courtyard was funded by alumni Kristine and John Simmons.
Looking forward, Smith aims to document the legacy of student pride at RIT in collaboration with RIT Archives. He envisions that as students engage with the statue—dressing it up, taking photos, and celebrating their identity—they will inspire future generations to actively participate in RIT’s vibrant culture. Dr. Smith continues to reiterate to this day that “students create student life” and encourages the RIT community to discover innovative ways to express their pride. His annual visits during Brick City Homecoming Weekend exemplify his joy in witnessing RIT’s evolution, and his passion for student life and education.
IMAGE CREDITS
a. Fred Smith Headshot- 20A. Photograph taken by Rod Reilly, May 1, 1979. Courtesy of the RIT Archives.
b. 2023 Tiger Courtyard Dedication. Photograph taken by Fred Smith. Courtesy of Dr. Fred W. Smith.
c. [Spirit at Sunset]. Photograph taken by Fred Smith. Courtesy of Dr. Fred W. Smith.
View the 360 exhibit space of the Student Pride: Written in Bronze exhibit section.
View the 360 exhibit space of the Student Pride: Written in Bronze exhibit section.
RITArc-0052 and RITArc-2017.054 are not accessible on the RIT Archives website, please email or visit in person if you wish to learn more about the collection.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse