President Dr. Fred Finks stumbled across Ashland University’s newest eagle, now prominently displayed on the corner of Claremont.

Appearing Sept. 30, the newest of Ashland’s flock of eagles watches over the intersection of College and Claremont.  The university purchased the eagle when Finks travelled across the country.

“President Finks found the eagle in Aspen and he thought it looked nice,” said Rick Ewing, vice president of Facilities Management and Planning. “He brought it back and wanted it in place before the homecoming game.”

Ewing stated that the eagle was installed with relative ease, requiring only a concrete slab be poured as a base for the statue.

“I think it looks great and is an excellent addition to campus,” Ewing said.

Student reaction to the newest eagle has been mixed, to say the least.

“I like it,” Katie Mounts, an Ashland student said. “It adds to the feel of the university.”

Most students agree that the statue is at least good-looking.

“I think it’s really well made,” freshman Emily Jeppesen said. “I like it a lot.”

Chris Simmons, senior, agrees.

“It’s a different style of eagle,” Simmons said. “It’s really visible on the corner.”

However, not all opinions of the newest of the university’s purchases were favorable.

Freshmen Sam Largent and Nisa Clay disagree with the university’s placement of the statute, and agree that the new eagle is in an odd location.

“It’s fine, I just think it’s been misplaced,” Clay said.

Other students questioned the need for a new eagle.

“I think it was bull [crap],” Janet Ankomah said. “If it was donated then the money should have gone to something else.”

Generally speaking, the student body warmly received the new eagle, but was curious as to why the university needed another eagle.

“It adds a focal point to campus,” senior John Grimm said. “I find it funny that they put up all the nice things before the important people come to visit.”

Despite a mixed welcome, the new eagle is here to stay.