Ah, the love letter. A notion that defies time and language. Throughout history people have put their fondness into words and sent each note sealed with a kiss. It's not just lovers any more.The greats of music, art, literature, and even philosophy and politics, have had their words preserved, carefully archived, and now digitized, to let us mere mortals glimpse into the vulnerabilities of their respective hearts.
Emotions run high and souls are borne. This is the timeless romance goo that gets exponentially stickier every February 14.
But who says love letters are limited to people? To start an unconventional Valentine’s Day we’re establishing a new love letter, a love letter to a home away from home, to a place that glows with the energy of students, faculty, and an unmatched legacy of alumni support. The place that has inscribed its love on your heart and affectionately embraced you during your time at UF. The deep feeling of gratitude for Norman Hall has led students to inscribe their names on the wall, daydream in the courtyard and even lobby for renovation funding.
The outpouring of love for Norman Hall resonates with all who have been able to experience its magic. From the sun-worn rustic bricks to the lush green flora trees draped with Spanish moss to the jovial squirrels skittering up and down the regal oak, Norman embodies the wisdom of academia and the nature of Florida.
A sweltering afternoon can be relieved by sitting in the courtyard, the old oak tree and lush frondescence providing a comforting canopy from the heat.
Maddie McClinton, an EduGator alumni, lead an initiative for Norman Hall funding. For her, Norman Hall is invaluable, saying,
“I believe we are lucky that the majority of our classes are in one building because it becomes a place of comfort and familiarity. Whether it is hours at the library, in triple blocks learning how to implement science experiments, or learning the best techniques to engage readers, we become teachers here. Many relate the Cohort model of the ProTeach program to a family, so it is only fitting that we have a home that we love!”
This Valentine's Day corresponds with the beginnings of the #AboveTheNorm renovations
Whether you're an alumni, current student, staff member or faculty, you've experienced the joys and slight oddities of Norman Hall. With construction starting this fall, we're so excited to revamp the college to make it even better. Here's a love letter to the Norman Hall we know and love. It's always been #AboveTheNorm.
When Norman Hall is thought of, many different emotions arise. For some, it's reduced to a parking lot close to campus and a pitstop on the way to another building. For others, they see Norman Hall as a community, considering the annexed location an oasis of support where you are more than another student.
"Norman Hall, a historic academic building, inspires the leaders of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Once a student in Norman Hall, always a passionate leader changing lives around the world,"
Former student, Alyssa Scott, reflects on her time at the College of Education and what Norman Hall represents,
"Within auditoriums, professors lead by example and set the stage to engage. Passions are found, questions are asked, research takes place, and action is taken. Norman Hall finds a way to empower each and every student, and his or her unique voice is found. However, finding and following our passion is just the beginning! Through our connections and life-long friendships made at Norman Hall, we learn the importance of continuous research and collaboration. Even after graduation we find a way to collaborate because we know together we are invincible"
The pulse of activity begins at Norman tunnel, with many stopping to admire new graffiti with vibrant colors and the old graffiti with decaying hues cutting under 13th street.
Hallways are abuzz, with a chitter-chatter, tromping feet, and the pitter-patter of the curious hearts. From undergraduate classes to doctorate-level research, Norman Hall opens its doors like an embrace for learning. Students, past and present, know that many hours are spent in the Education Library.
And after all, visitors say it's more mellow than Library West.
Beyond the classrooms is Norman Field where you can encounter the band practicing a variety of melodies during football season and at night find students playing soccer and football.
The outer terrene grounds are sprinkled with picnic benches, from which you can observe the seasonal autumn foliage or blossoms of spring and summer. Along EduGator Central there's always so much to see and do.
Small details stick out as you tour the grounds. The detail of the wooden doors and the stone carvings around the building are subtle reminders of its antiquity.
One sculpture in particular is the Scholarly Owl, a mascot of Norman Hall. Ever-so-delicately carved into stone perches from above, setting a gaze of wisdom across the entrance. This mascot is animated to life in the courtyard tree. Affectionately referred to as Errol, the gentle coos and ruffling of feathers are a guiding wisdom to all the students and faculty that cross the quad.
Scott remarked on the variety of experiences that unite at Norman Hall, saying "Being a Gator is being a part of a family who places value in people, a strong work ethic, commitment, and holding passion for everything we do in life. As Gators we learn it is never enough to be a spectator but to be a part of necessary change. Norman Hall is extraordinary not because of the historical beauty, but because it brings so many individuals together to celebrate different perspectives as a forever family."
There is no shortage of things to love about you Norman, but I just wanted to let you know what this place means to me.
Norman Hall will always be a place of love, tolerance, dreams, friendship, academia, research, experience, growth, and so much more.
It's with just a tad of sadness and loads of happiness that I see you making changes now. You've always sought to better yourself and others. Cheers to renovations and a place I can call home forever.
