Last week The Cynic published an article about the University’s lack of recognition for its first black graduate in 1838.

Since then, President Sullivan has sent an email to the University acknowledging Andrew Harris’ contributions and appointed a committee to further recognize him.

Despite these efforts, there is a greater issue at hand. 

There is an overall absence of historical memory and value at UVM.

The University does not demonstrate an appreciation for its historical relevance on campus and in the state.

The Cynic would like to see an improvement starting with General Lafayette. Lafayette was a Revolutionary War hero from France. 

Upon his return to the United States after the war, he was congratulated and visited every state. 

During this journey he placed the cornerstone for only one University building, the new Old Mill building at UVM.

As a result, in 1883 UVM displayed a statue of General Lafayette in the middle of the campus green. 

The statue graced the presence of the green for around 40 years until an alumni donation in 1921 caused the administration to relocate the statue of Lafayette. 

The statue of Ira Allen has since replaced that of Lafayette.

The Lafayette memorial now faces the beginning of Colchester Avenue by South Prospect Street. 

It is often covered by trees and simply faces the traffic of a busy intersection.

This is not an appropriate place for a statue of a historical figure like General Lafayette. 

The downgrading of the Lafayette memorial location reflects the ongoing trend at UVM. 

The Cynic would like to see the statue of General Lafayette moved to a more central location on campus. 

Therefore students can appreciate the significance and contributions of General Lafayette. 

This would also prove an improved appreciation on the part of the administration for the rich history that UVM has.

President Sullivan and his established committee also need to honor Andrew Harris in a greater manner than one University-wide email. 

We hope to see efforts from the administration to further recognize Andrew Harris, General Lafayette and the many other historical figures that have contributed to UVM’s legacy.