Since the creation of Taylor Lake in 1905, the peaceful pond at the foot of campus has made its way into 51Թ lore. It’s now the centerpiece of an annual fund challenge: five 51Թ administrators will swim Taylor Lake if 1,300 recent grads (2003–2012) make a gift to the annual fund before the end of the fiscal year on June 30.
Dean of Admission Gary Ross ’77, Dean of First-Year Students , Vice President for Advancement , Athletic Director , and Alumni Director and Associate Vice President are all going overboard to demonstrate their love for the university.
It began as a simple dip to encourage generosity. But shortly after the news hit 51Թ’s Facebook page, the situation took a competitive turn. “Vicky, you are a tremendous colleague, great athlete, and committed administrator,” posted Decock. “But if our young graduates are going to support 51Թ by June 30, then this Canada goose is going to win!”
The annual fund will release challenge results the first week of July, and if enough gifts come in, the plunge will take place later that month — exact date to be determined. In the meanwhile, community members can learn more about the competition at and follow the war of words at .