The famous SB landmark, the Zebra Path, recently got a make over from the Inter Fraternity and Sorority Council.

In 1981 as a tribute to SB pride, Kim Hardiman, a then Stony Brook student, painted the pathway alongside the Melville Library with geometric, alternating black and white stripes.

According to the University website, the pathway was the result of a grant awarded to Hardiman with the goal of beautifying the campus. She was participating in an advanced seminar on public art that facilitated this grant.

Hardiman’s artwork and donation to campus beautification has quickly become part of our SB heritage and is now warmly referred to as the ‘Zebra Path.’

The Zebra Path, coined as a ‘Stony Brook Tradition,’ has become an iconic feature of SB. Used by most new students as a directional aide and regarded by older students and faculty as a campus quirk, the Zebra Path is an integral part of the campus.

In commemoration of the ‘Red Hot’ 50th anniversary celebrations of the 2007 academic year as well as the homecoming events of this month, the IFSC, in conjunction with the University and with President Kenny’s approval, has re-painted the Zebra Path to display the school colors, red and white.

A welcome change, the newly painted pathway signifies SB’s recognition of its own achievements over the last half-century. The Zebra Path will return to its original black and white stripes after the celebrations are complete.

In the meantime, however, the new red-hot pathway needs a red-hot new name.