This is a beloved symbol of Champain's University and supports the learning and labour concept.
1 / 10

Alma Mater

4.8
·113 reviews·Urbana, United States

A cherished campus landmark, the 'Alma Mater' statue is a beautiful and historic spot, especially popular for graduation photos.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds & heat

CrowdLow
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This is a beloved symbol of Champain's University and supports the learning and labour concept.

Alma Mater

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds & heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A cherished campus landmark, the 'Alma Mater' statue is a beautiful and historic spot, especially popular for graduation photos.

4.8
(113 reviews)

"Our Alma Mater is simply gorgeous! Always one of my favorite photo spots!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Graduation Photos

Go early morning for best light & fewer people. :camerawithflash:

🌳 Enjoy the Shade

Plenty of trees offer cool spots on sunny days. :evergreen_tree:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Alma Mater Statue

The Alma Mater Statue

Central Campus

A beautiful and historic statue, perfect for graduation photos and capturing campus pride.

Reddit
Shaded Green Spaces

Shaded Green Spaces

Surrounding the statue

Enjoy ample shade from mature trees, offering a comfortable respite on hot days.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Capture Your Memories

The 'Alma Mater' statue is a beloved spot for graduation photos. Visit early morning to avoid crowds and the summer heat, ensuring perfect shots with ample shade from the surrounding greenery. Reddit

Respect the Legacy

While a popular photo op, remember this is a significant monument. Be mindful of others and avoid climbing on the statue, especially when families are trying to capture their own special moments. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds & heat
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#AspiranteNaval En esta pequeña cápsula te compartimos algunos datos sobre nuestra #AlmaMater, la Heroica Escuela Naval Militar. #UniversidadNaval ¡Más que una carrera, un proyecto de vida! Convocatoria #UNINAV2024 👉 https://bit.ly/3Hdc7VG
semar_mx
62.9K likes • 2.2M views

📸 Perfect Graduation Photos

Go early morning for best light & fewer people. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🌳 Enjoy the Shade

Plenty of trees offer cool spots on sunny days. Reddit :evergreen_tree:

TAKE A LOOK AT MY ALMA MATER‼️😍 Proudly wearing my Untar alma mater jacket.❤️ Let’s wear our alma mater with pride. It’s a symbol of everything we’ve learned, experienced, and the meaningful connections we’ve made at Untar.✨ - New Student Registration for the Academic Year 2025/2026 is now open. Visit https://untar.ac.id and click GO UNTAR to register. #Almamater #Untar #UntarJakarta #Untar...
untarjakarta
983 likes • 53.3K views
Біздің сүйікті Alma Mater! #казнму #kaznmu #қазұму #медицина #kazakhstan
kaznmu
2.9K likes • 102.7K views

Respect the Monument

Avoid climbing the statue; it's a cherished landmark. Reddit :pray:

And our hearts forever ☘️ Emorja Roberson beautifully sang the Alma Mater after receiving his doctoral hood and degree at our Graduate School Commencement Ceremony on Saturday. He is the first African-American to receive a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from Notre Dame (and the first to obtain a Master of Sacred Music in Vocal Performance in 2017). While a student, he received the ...
notredame
19.1K likes • 344.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Graduation Photos

Go early morning for best light & fewer people. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🌳 Enjoy the Shade

Plenty of trees offer cool spots on sunny days. Reddit :evergreen_tree:

Respect the Monument

Avoid climbing the statue; it's a cherished landmark. Reddit :pray:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(113 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the 'Alma Mater' statue for its beauty and historical significance, making it a top spot for graduation photos. The surrounding shaded green spaces are also a highlight, offering a pleasant environment. Some visitors note that it can get crowded, and advise early visits, while also mentioning the importance of respecting the monument.

"Absolutely Beautiful! Love the history of the statue!"

Jay Lynch

"nice place for a picture with your grad"

Lymarie Cardona

"10/10 would take pictures with this statue again. If you're taking pictures for graduation, I recommend going early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat."

Christian Cygnus

What People Like

Absolutely beautiful statue
Great for graduation photos
Lots of shade

What People Dislike

Can get crowded
Kids climbing statue

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Alma Mater statue is typically located in a central, prominent area of the campus. Check the university's official map or ask campus information for precise directions. Reddit

Parking availability can vary. It's best to check the university's parking services website for visitor parking options and rates. Reddit

The campus grounds are generally accessible, but specific building hours might apply if you're visiting other facilities nearby. The statue area itself is usually open. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, viewing the Alma Mater statue is typically free and open to the public as it's a campus landmark. Reddit

While generally open, it's a place of historical significance. Visitors are asked to be respectful and avoid climbing on the statue. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings are recommended to avoid crowds and harsh sunlight, offering better lighting and fewer distractions. Reddit

Yes, the statue itself is iconic, and the surrounding green spaces with trees provide lovely backdrops and shade for photos. Reddit

Most universities allow professional photographers on campus for student photos, but it's wise to check the specific university's policy. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍🎓 Graduates & Families

The 'Alma Mater' statue is the ultimate backdrop for graduation photos. To ensure a memorable experience, plan your visit for early morning to avoid crowds and harsh sunlight. Reddit The surrounding trees offer welcome shade, making it comfortable for everyone. Reddit

Remember to be respectful of the monument and other visitors. While it's a popular spot, avoid climbing on the statue to preserve its beauty for future generations. Reddit Consider booking a photographer in advance to capture these precious moments perfectly. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

For stunning graduation or campus-themed photos, the 'Alma Mater' is a prime location. Aim for early morning shoots to leverage the soft, natural light and minimize background distractions from other visitors. Reddit The shaded areas around the statue are excellent for portraits, providing a flattering and comfortable setting. Reddit

Explore different angles to showcase the statue's grandeur and its integration with the campus environment. While the statue is the main draw, don't overlook the surrounding greenery and architectural elements for diverse shots. Reddit Always ensure your activities are respectful of the site and its historical significance. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of the Alma Mater

The 'Alma Mater' statue is more than just a landmark; it's a symbol of academic achievement and institutional pride. Often found at the heart of university campuses, these statues represent the enduring spirit and history of the institution. Many alumni return to their 'alma mater' (Latin for 'nourishing mother') to reminisce and connect with their past. InstagramReddit

These statues are frequently the backdrop for significant life events, most notably graduation ceremonies. Students and their families gather to capture these moments, solidifying the statue's role in the university's narrative. The emotional connection to one's alma mater is profound, often inspiring lifelong loyalty and support. Instagram+1

Beyond graduation, the Alma Mater serves as a central meeting point and a constant reminder of the shared experiences that bind the university community together. Its presence fosters a sense of belonging and continuity across generations of students. Instagram

Capturing the Perfect Graduation Shot

For many, the 'Alma Mater' statue is the quintessential spot for graduation photos. To get the best shots, timing is crucial. Visiting in the early morning is highly recommended by photographers and visitors alike to avoid the midday sun and the largest crowds. This allows for softer lighting and a more serene atmosphere, making it easier to capture genuine smiles and meaningful poses. Reddit

Beyond the statue itself, the surrounding campus offers diverse photographic opportunities. The lush greenery and mature trees provide natural shade, which is a lifesaver on hot days and creates beautiful, diffused light. Reddit Consider incorporating elements of the campus architecture or other scenic spots nearby to add variety to your photo collection. Reddit

When planning your photoshoot, remember that the 'Alma Mater' is a cherished monument. While it's a popular spot, maintaining respect for the statue and other visitors is key. Avoid climbing on the statue, as this can cause damage and detract from the experience for others. Reddit Coordinate with your photographer to find angles that highlight the statue's grandeur without compromising its integrity. Reddit