The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

Graphic courtesy of Liv Ream; movie flyer from IMDB
In defense of Skinamarink
By Liv Ream, Arts and Entertainment Editor • October 1, 2023
Alternative Spring Break 2023 volunteers in Washington, D.C. Courtesy of Natalie Mowad.
Applications open for Akron’s 2024 Alternative Spring Break
By Taylor Lorence, Correspondent • October 1, 2023
The Northern Cheyenne tribe and community walking the ancient Portage Path from Portage Path CLC to the John Brown Home during a previous years First Peoples Day event. Photo courtesy of Portage Path Collaborative.
UA Holds events in celebration of North American First People’s Day   
By Shananne Lewis, Online Editor • September 28, 2023
White swan on water during daytime photo - Free Uk Image on Unsplash
The Swan's Rapture: a poem
By Emily Price, editor in chief • September 27, 2023
Desperately Seeking an Amazon Fighter, sculpture by Kimberly Chapman
"Easy Prey" art exhibit on display at Myers School of Art
By Taylor Lorence, Reporter, Secretary • September 21, 2023
“On the left, there’s me at work! I received the New Student Orientation “Gold Standard” award alongside 
and at the same time as my friend Gillian.”
Courtesy of Connor VanMaele
Fall 2023 Print Edition: Going the Distance
By Connor VanMaele, Correspondent • September 19, 2023
L to R: Steve Horner, Heather Barhorst, Haley Kuczynski, Shawna Blankenship, Brynley Harris, Jessie Redwine at the Pop-Up Pantry. Image Courtesy of ZipAssist.
ZipAssist Holds Community Resource Fair Tuesday, September 19 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the SU 2nd Floor
By Shananne Lewis, Correspondent • September 18, 2023
Film critic Liv Ream and friend pose for photo (Image via Liv Ream)
My Barbie experience
By Liv Ream, Film Critic • September 17, 2023

Staff Soundoff

“The University of Akron is an institution of great tradition. Buchtel College, the Chihuly monument and the John R. Buchtel statue are all tangible representations of our rich history. Now, those icons are making way for a new campus centerpiece – one that will likely overshadow the others.”

The University of Akron is an institution of great tradition.

Buchtel College, the Chihuly monument and the John R. Buchtel statue are all tangible representations of our rich history.

Now, those icons are making way for a new campus centerpiece – one that will likely overshadow the others.

What is this epic structure? you ask.

It is called … Steam Pipe!

What was originally intended as a temporary fix for a broken hot water pipe has become a signature of our beautiful campus. In February, maintenance officials told me the pipe would be removed by Spring Break, at the very latest. Yet, it remains.

The pipe has actually become quite comfortable in its spot on campus. And with that, Steam Pipe has kind of grown on me.

That’s why I’ve been lobbying Buchtelite editor in chief Mike Rasor to remove John R. Buchtel from the newspaper’s top header and replace it with Steam Pipe, but he has opted against it.

He obviously isn’t as confident in the pipe’s staying power as I am.

I’m not the only one who believes in Steam Pipe, though. Take a look at John R. Buchtel the next time you walk through Buchtel Commons. Notice how he stares, sort of scowling at the pipe. Look closer. You can almost see a granite teardrop forming under his left eye.

He knows that with the addition of Steam Pipe, his days as a legitimate campus icon are numbered.

You had a good run, John, but it’s time to make way for a more respectable monument.

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

All comments that are well-informed, civil and relevant to the story are welcome. To leave a comment, please provide your name and email address. The Editorial Board reserves to right to remove any comment that is submitted under false pretenses or includes personal attacks, libel, hate speech, profanity, spam or inaccurate/misleading information. All comments are screened and are generally approved unless they are found to be found in violation of these standards. Readers who notice comments that appear to violate these standards are encouraged to contact the Online Editor at [email protected].
All The Buchtelite Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *