Where Did That Big Turtle Come From?

By: Anne S.K. Turkos

A recent post on the University of Maryland Alumni Association blog on University of Maryland alumna and University of Iowa faculty member Jennifer Sterling reminded us that visitors to Hornbake Library may not know or remember where “Champions All,” that large turtle statue that resides in the first floor lobby, originated.

As part of the University of Maryland’s year-long 150^th anniversary celebration from 2005 to 2006, fifty turtle sculptures—decorated by local artists—were displayed for approximately six months on campus and across the state and greater Washington area. At the end of their six-month reign, all the turtles that were not paid for in full by sponsors were auctioned off to benefit UMD student scholarships, raising $280,000. “Champions All” was part of the silent auction that special evening, and I was determined to capture him for the University Archives. I reached out to family members, friends, and colleagues to gather pledges, so I knew how much I could spend going in. By the time I arrived at the auction, an anonymous bidder had already put down a pretty substantial figure. I upped the bid by $50 and crossed my fingers, hoping that we wouldn’t get into a bidding war. Word got around the room that we wanted “Champions All” for the Archives, and fortunately no one else bid, and we were able to bring him home. Those generous donors who helped me secure this treasure for the Archives are recognized on small plaques on the base of the statue, and I am forever grateful for their support.

At the time of the juried contest to select the artists who would decorate the fifty turtles, Dr. Sterling was a Ph.D. candidate in Physical Culture Studies in the UMD Department of Kinesiology in the School of Public Health. As she noted on the key to the images on “Champions All” that she provided to the Archives, her “design utilized archival images and student photographs to represent the many components of physical culture at the University. From fans to fanatics, curriculum to coaches, traditions to trademarks, and spirit squads to sports clubs, the collage embodies the people and places that have constructed and continue to create Maryland’s sporting history and culture.”

It was an honor and a privilege to assist Dr. Sterling in choosing images from the UMD Archives to incorporate into the display on “Champions All,” and visitors will find many familiar pieces on his shell. Hope you will stop by the Maryland Room in Hornbake Library soon and visit the biggest turtle in the University Archives’ collections!

If you are curious about the other turtles that were part of the Fear the Turtle Sculptures project, there are still a few others left on campus: 

• “The Freshman” in the Visitors Center in Turner Hall
• “Hear the Turtle” near the Band Office in the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
• “Kertle” and “College Park Arts Exchange” in The Stamp
• “Metalli Terp” near the Dean’s Office in the School of Public Health
• “Mutant Ninja Terrapin” outside the Center for Young Children
• “Turning into Super Terp” in the Xfinity Center near Gate B
• A repainted version of “A Turtle Celebration” outside LeFrak Hall
• “Tuxudo” in the Moxeley Gardens at the Riggs Alumni Center
• “Maryland Pride” at University House 

Enjoy your trek!

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Works Cited:

1. University Archives collection file on the acquisition of “Champions All”

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Anne S.K. Turkos is the University Archivist Emerita for the University of Maryland. She has been a part of the staff of the UMD Libraries’ Special Collections and University Archives since January 1985. Before retirement in July 2017, she worked with campus departments and units, student groups, and alumni to transfer, preserve, and make available permanent university records. She continues to support the Archives through her work on special projects and fundraising. Follow Anne on Twitter at @AnneTurkos.