Highlander History
How UCR Became the Highlanders
Though numerous nominations for a campus mascot "including Rocks, Tigers, and Aphids" were presented to UCR's charter students in 1954, "Hylander" emerged from a spirited write-in campaign. Later changed to "Highlander," the theme acknowledged the campus' elevation relative to the rest of the city. Scottish traditions naturally evolved. The Scottish Highlands include the rugged and mountainous regions of Scotland north and west of the Highland Boundary Fault. The Highlands are popularly described as one of the most scenic regions of Europe.
Scottish Influence on UCR's Housing Buildings
The tradition of naming housing buildings after places in Scotland began with the first residence hall, Aberdeen-Inverness, which opened in 1959. It is named for two Scottish port cities.
Lothian Residence Hall opened in 1963 and was named for the Lothian Borders in the south of Scotland. Bannockburn, which was originally an off-campus housing facility before the university purchased it, is named after a famous battle site.
The Glen Mor campus apartments are located near an arroyo at the northeast corner of campus. "Glen Mor bisects the Scottish Highlands, so it seemed an appropriate name for an area bisected by an arroyo," said Andy Plumley, assistant vice chancellor of auxiliary services.
The Falkirk apartment complex is named for the location of a famous battle in 1298, when King Edward I defeated William Wallace. Construction is now underway on the Dundee Student Housing and Glasgow Dining Project, which will house 820 students and include an 830-seat dining facility. Dundee is a city in the eastern central Lowlands of Scotland. Glasgow is the most populous city in Scotland.
"We're the Highlanders and we like our Scottish names," Plumley said. "We won't run out of new names any time soon."
The UCR Pipe Band
The UCR Pipe Band is part of the External Relations division of the University of California, Riverside, and serves as an ambassador for the campus. The band is comprised of a diverse group of musicians performing a wide range of Celtic music played on bagpipes and drums.
The UCR Pipe Band has been incorporated into the music curriculum, enabling students to get credit for performing and taking lessons on pipes or drums. UCR is one of a handful of universities in the world where a student can earn a degree in music playing Scottish pipes or drums.
The UCR Pipe Band won first prize in the Grade 4 Pipe Band Competition in the quick march and timed medleys at the 2007 Highland Games in Flagstaff, Arizona.
The Tartan
The UC Riverside tartan was developed with the expert aid of Linda Clifford with contributions by pipe band members Josh Taylor and Robbie Conacher. The tartan has been registered with the proper authorities in Scotland. The graphic representation shown is an approximation of the finished tartan. The blue is a "royal" blue, the gold slightly more brass and less mustard in color. This tartan has been added to the official UCR logos and other trademark protected properties owned by the University of California.
The "C" on the side of the Box Springs Mountains
The "C" is a hallmark at all UC campuses, but at UCR our "C" continues to be student-inspired. Students campaigned to have a "C" on the side of the Box Springs Mountains that would be bigger than that of any other campus, especially Berkeley. Early in the 1954–55 school year, a group of UCR students assembled on the roof of Weber Hall while another group gathered at the selected spot on the Box Springs Mountains. Using survey equipment and walkie-talkies, and guided by the students on Weber, students laid out the frame for the "C." In 1958, the E.L. Yeager Construction Company finished off the "C" in cement. To date, it is the largest "C" in the UC system. Periodically, and at significant campus events such as Homecoming, the "C" is lit up or painted blue and gold. It has also been used as the target for campus pranks repeatedly since it's inception. (For example, a "C -" during finals week.)
Bell Tower
Built in 1965–66 as a gift to the campus by Philip and Dorothy Marmon Boyd, the Bell Tower is 161 feet high, weighs 15 tons with a 78-foot deep underground foundation and a 48-bell carillon. Each of the Bell Tower's 5,162 holes light up at night, creating an airy impression. Bells range from more than 5,000 pounds to just 28 pounds and are housed in a bell chamber at the top of the tower. A carilloneur plays the bells using an instrument much like an organ. During the academic year, live performances occur weekly on Mondays at noon, with few exceptions. David Christensen, appointed in 1987, is the current university carillonneur.
Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are a living plant museum with more than 3,500 plant species from around the world to be enjoyed and studied. The gardens are a source of plant materials for courses at UCR and other local schools including anthropology, art, biology, botany, ecology, entomology, landscape plants, morphology, ornamental horticulture, plant pathology, photography, and taxonomy. The varied terrain and Riverside's subtropical climate create numerous "microclimates" that allow for a notable diversity of plantings. This wealth of vegetation creates a hospitable sanctuary for wildlife, where nearly 200 bird species have been officially observed.
Citrus Experiment Station
Two cottages and a stable on the east side of Mt. Rubidoux comprised the entire station when it opened in 1907 as part of the statewide Agricultural Experiment Station, developed by the University of California. The landmark building was erected in 1917 and served as the foundation of the new UC Riverside campus when it opened in 1954. The historic structure now houses the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management.