Campus 'hidden gems' explained in fall exhibition at Univ. Library
Richard Apple helped create "Hidden Gems," one of two fall exhibitions in the University Library. (Photo: Diane Daniel)
- October 6, 2011
Who hasn’t wondered about the people behind the Biella Room in the University Library, about Meiklejohn -- the hall with the challenging spelling -- or why the main routes on to the Hayward Campus of California State University, East Bay, are named “Harder” and “Carlos Bee.”
And why does the Senior Court have tributes to Charles Schultz and Aldous Huxley? Did a George Lucas crew really film on campus in 1979, and why does the Department of Theatre and Dance use the name Highlands in the title of its summer series of productions?
The answers to these, and many other campus questions, are explained in “Hidden Gems of the CSUEB Campus,” one of two fall exhibitions at the University Library.
“Gems” delves into the campus’ early spaceman mascot, a hall named for a professor who taught on campus for only two years, the ranch that became our stomping grounds, and much more.
“Our campus, though relatively young, already has a rich history of personalities who have helped shaped where we are today and what we aspire to be in the future," said Linda Dobb, university librarian and interim associate provost. "This exhibit uncovers Cal State East Bay's past contributors and spotlights our hillside's natural beauties.”
The exhibition evolved through brainstorming sessions by Dobb and Richard Apple, library special collections and archives coordinator, with input from Craig Wilson, professor emeritus of education, who gave Dobb data about the Senior Court plaques and other campus information.
“It’s amazing the things you can notice if you look, like the tree named for Ted Pelatowski, or the memorial on campus to 9/11,” said Dobb.
“Hidden Gems” will be on display through the end of 2011. Information about the exhibit also is online at
The other University Library exhibit honors the United States Constitution, including a challenging 10-point quiz on every American's fundamental rights.