It appears without warning.
Its message, whether quiet or loud, is often as diverse as its color palette.
Hate. Love. Happiness. Sorrow.
It’s all here, broadcast in a medium that reaches thousands of students every day.
Some call it vandalism.
Others call it art.
But in one location on campus, graffiti is simply expression.
Originally prompted by graffiti protests to President Lyndon B. Johnson during the Vietnam War, Student Government created the “Student Supply Store Tunnel” in 1967, according to documents tracing the history of the Tunnel from University Archives. The student leaders felt other students needed a place to express their opinions about anything and everything.
For the past several years, students have painted birthday messages, club announcements and political statements; some have proven their talents with a paint can, creating elaborate works of art. Others have guarded the Tunnel from UNC students who paint it Carolina Blue as a prank before athletic events.
Although the Tunnel officially opened in April, students and administration witnessed the grand re-opening Tuesday.
“The Tunnel goes back to the ’60s when the Vietnam War was going on, and it was given to students in order for them [to] express the feelings about the war and different political issues going on in the world.” Amber Nettles, senior in paper and science engineering, said. “That’s what it was originally given to students as and it’s been a continued tradition.”
Student Body President Will Quick said the University has not been the same without the Tunnel when it was undergoing renovations and it provides services that cannot be be matched with any other medium.
“The messages represent the diversity of ideas on the campus,” Quick said. “It all blends together in a kaleidoscope of art.”
The renovations, which included a handicapped accessible ramp, are intended to make the Tunnel enjoyable for all students and provide a medium for them to articulate their ideas, Kevin MacNaughton, associate vice chancellor for Facilities, said.
Students and administration witnessed a ribbon cutting, and Nettles and Quick unveiled a set of plaques set at the entrances of the Tunnel to perpetuate a message of consideration.
“The plaques are placed at each end of the Tunnel to remind people to respect their peers and the boundaries of the Tunnel,” Nettles said.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Tom Stafford said he is extremely pleased with the new look of the Tunnel.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a renovation project as spectacular as this one,” Stafford said. “This is one of the first places I would want to bring a visitor to N.C. State.”
Quick agreed the Tunnel is an important landmark on campus for more than just its aesthetic value.
“The TunnelTunnel is a preemptive step to informing students,” Quick said. “It’s better than any Web site; you can’t miss it.”
MacNaughton offered this advice for students:
“To all the generations that come behind you, all I say: express yourself,” MacNaughton said.