The university has historically been a place for protest, liberalism, and a forum for current events and activism. So it came as no big surprise as I went by the New York Univesity campus yesterday and saw an Earth Day celebration. What did surprise me, though, was a 180-foot vegetarian sandwich made by Top of the Square Catering. I’m not sure of the tie-in to the day – the sandwich appeared as more of an indulgence rather that a statement of restraint. But everyone has to eat, and I suppose a vegetarian sandwich is a better choice than foie gras or veal for Earth Day.
NYU has a number of activities (graduation ceremonies and other annual events) that are held in the streets around the university buildings, owing to the fact that they do not actually have a private campus – the streets of NYC and Washington Square Park essentially function as their campus. I have blogged a number of these these NYU events see the links below).
I will end this posting with a popular quote which is apropos, attributed to Winston Churchill. Some say it is falsely attributed to him, but I have not been able to substantiate this one way or another. You will also see many slight variations on the quote itself.
”If you’re not a liberal at 20, you have no heart, and if you’re not a conservative at 40 you have no head.” I keep this in mind whenever I am witness to student activism, passions, and idealism…
Related Postings of Interest: Grad Alley, Light on Bobst, La Rentrée, Obama, Danger and Caution
I wonder if they offered any of that sandwich to the needy or hungry non-nyu students.
Wow, Winston Churchill couldn’t have been more accurate.
I like the Churchill quote very much! The sandwich, while amazing, seems just a bit over the top.
The Sandwich was exquisite!
I was there and non NYU people were able to eat as well.
Nice looking food without any flies. Perfect timing.
Great post. Wish I had been there.
Don’t know if observing an Earth Day celebration at NYU really counts as a harbinger of ‘liberalism,’ let alone student activism. Earth Day has been mainstream for a long while, at least here in parts of the East Coast.
I agree with the poster about the sandwich being a little over the top, but way to go vegans!!