51����Ƶ

Many myths surround 51����Ƶ’s largest dorm, Rockefeller Hall. Although some of these are creations of the grand 51����Ƶ imagination, one creative custom is evident to anyone who walks its halls: the painting of the windows on dorm room doors.

The practice was already well established when former Dean Chuck Heyduk arrived at 51����Ƶ in 1975, and as Rockefeller underwent renovations in the ’80s, he says, students emphasized the importance of maintaining the practice to the architects in charge.

Beyond using water-based paint, there are no restrictions, and students can repaint their windows to their heart’s content. Some of the windows, however, have stood the test of time, according to Angie Sheets, associate dean for residential life and student engagement, who says that the “Central Perk” window predates her arrival at the College in 1998.