Tommy Trojan, Bronze warrior statue on the University of Southern California campus, Los Angeles, United States.
Tommy Trojan, officially the Trojan Shrine, is a life-size bronze of a nude Trojan warrior in a crested helmet, his torso twisted, a short sword held point-down in his right hand and a round shield on his left arm. He stands on a pedestal whose top is sculpted as layered rock above a block with a Greek key pattern.
Sculptor Roger Noble Burnham modeled the Trojan Shrine on USC football players Russ Saunders, Ernie Pinckert, Henry Becker, Larry Stevens and John Ward. It was unveiled in 1930 for the university's 50th Jubilee and cost $10,000, offset by a $1 surcharge on season football tickets. The name first proposed, The Spirit of Troy, went instead to the marching band.
The statue's base carries the five attributes of the ideal Trojan: Faithful, Scholarly, Skillful, Courageous and Ambitious. On the reverse, a plaque quotes Virgil: "Here are provided seats of meditative joy, where shall rise again the destined reign of Troy." The name Tommy Trojan is unofficial; USC's official mascot is Traveler, a white Andalusian horse.
The statue is located at a central campus intersection that is easy to reach on foot from most areas. Visitors should know that access may be restricted or heavily monitored during major sports rivalry events and competitions.
Five qualities are inscribed on the base of the figure describing the model student: Faithful, Scholarly, Skillful, Courageous, and Ambitious. These attributes continue to shape how the university community defines its identity and aspirations.
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