Rock of Truth installed on Sigma Sigma Commons
Sigma Sigma celebrates 125th anniversary, installs new campus landmark
The University of Cincinnati’s Sigma Sigma Commons is home to a new sculpture by Jon Isherwood. Commissioned by UC alumni of Sigma Sigma, an honorary fraternity, the Rock of Truth was unveiled during Alumni Week on Friday, April 12.
In conjunction with Sigma Sigma’s 125th anniversary, members gathered with fellow alumni and friends, UC faculty and staff, UC Board of Trustees Chair (and fellow Sigma Sigma) Phil Collins, Bus ’89, and Isherwood to celebrate the striking campus addition.
Commissioned by UC alumni of Sigma Sigma, an honorary fraternity, the Rock of Truth was unveiled during Alumni Week 2024.
The Rock of Truth is a split black granite boulder inscribed with, “In our quest to find truth, each layer teaches us, and we embrace the pursuit of knowledge. Once we find truth, we test it, respect it, and strive together in the name of progress.”
These words reflect the thoughts of a broad cross-section of the UC community, including active Sigma Sigmas, alumni, College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning students and faculty and UC Planning + Design + Construction staff.
Sigma Sigma was established in 1898 with the purpose of fostering and encouraging the college spirit. Thanks to the generosity of Sigma Sigma alumni, UC is home to Sigma Sigma Commons and a Bearcat statue typically located by Fifth Third Arena. These alumni have also provided significant support for fellow Bearcats through scholarship gifts.
Sigma Sigma’s members are true champions of our university community.
Jennifer Heisey Chief Alumni Officer
Sigma Sigma members at the Rock of Truth.
“Sigma Sigma’s members are true champions of our university community,” said Jennifer Heisey, chief alumni officer. “Their latest gift to their fellow Bearcats, the Rock of Truth, makes a lasting impact.”
The Rock of Truth installation is the third element reflected in UC’s Alma Mater – “The Fountain of Eternal Youth, a Tower of Strength and a Rock of Truth.” In celebration of Sigma Sigma’s centennial in 1999, the order dedicated Sigma Sigma Commons, anchored by the Ronald F. Walker Tower. This led to the fountains installed on the campus green.
“We felt the time was right to bring the third piece of this song to life,” says Adam Coleman, CEAS ‘02, Bus ‘09, a Sigma Sigma member and Rock of Truth fundraising and project lead. Isherwood has created an impactful piece that will stand the test of time and reflect our duty as Bearcats to search for truth.”
“I want to thank the more than 120 alumni donors who philanthropically supported this project and UC and the UC Alumni Association for partnering with us to take it from a vision to reality,” he added.
Isherwood’s work has been widely exhibited in public museums and private galleries in the United States, Europe and China. He has completed more than 30 commissions in the private and public sectors. The Rock of Truth will be a part of UC’s art collection.
Featured image at top: The Bearcat, John Martini, Phil Collins, Adam Coleman, Rob Thornton, Jon Isherwood, Byron Stallworth. Photo/Losproductions.
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