With a rich history and countless traditions, there are several iconic symbols of Ole Miss that every incoming student must be acquainted with. From historic buildings to four-legged friends, here is a list of some of the most well-known landmarks and figures at the university.
The Grove
Revered for being the premier spot to tailgate on football weekends, the Grove is so much more than the 10 acres it encompasses. It is where students start their Ole Miss experience by attending orientation and where they close the book on their collegiate years at convocation. On football weekends, strangers welcome each other to their tents with delicious foods and even warmer smiles. On quieter weekends and weekdays, students can be seen taking advantage of the picnic benches shaded by the canopy of oak, elm and magnolia trees planted throughout the heart of campus.
Juice Kiffin
Juice Kiffin, football Head Coach Lane Kiffin’s yellow labrador retriever, has made a name for himself. This pup can be seen pacing the sidelines at football games, awaiting his chance to show off his own football prowess by retrieving the kickoff tee. Juice’s rise to stardom was swift. The canine has amassed a large social media following and has made his way into the hearts of people from around the world. He has come to be so loved by the Ole Miss fan base that many have thought him to be the university’s unofficial mascot.
Phi Mu fountain
Paid for by Ole Miss alumni and the Phi Mu sorority, this iconic symbol was designed by Martin Aquatic in 2003. Located in the middle of the Quad, this water feature is as a centerpiece between the J.D. Williams Library, Bondurant Hall, Paris-Yates Chapel and the Paul B. Johnson Commons. When the weather is nice, students can enjoy the serenity that the sound of gentle cascading water adds to their class commute. Many freshmen try to cross climbing this piece of architecture off of their freshman bucket list. However, scaling campus landmarks is highly discouraged.
Ventress Hall
Towering over university grounds since 1889, Ventress Hall has been a multifaceted symbol of Ole Miss. Over the years it has housed the university library, the law school and several academic departments. In 1998, it became the home of the College of Liberal Arts. It was tradition for students to sign their names inside the building’s turret; some names date back to when the building was the law school. When renovations were being made to the building, the turret was closed off and those names now are preserved. The window above the main staircase, a memorial to the University Greys who fought in the Civil War, was created by the Tiffany Glass Company.
Speed limit signs
Vehicular speed limit signs on campus display the number 18 — the jersey number of Archie Manning, one of Ole Miss Football’s most esteemed quarterbacks. In 1969, Manning was named to the All-SEC Team, voted SEC Most Valuable Player and was named Mississippi Sportsman of the Year. In 1970, he was once again a member of the All-SEC Team. This Drew, Miss., native’s Ole Miss Football jersey number was retired by the university. Only three other players have been recognized with this honor: Chucky Mullins, Ben Williams and Manning’s son, quarterback Eli Manning. Eli’s jersey number 10 is posted on speed limit signs on roads around the athletic facilities on campus.
