When the Territorial University of Washington opened its doors November 4, 1861, 28 years before Washington achieved statehood, these four columns graced the entrance of the university building. They currently reside in the quiet Sylvan Grove Theater, near Drumheller Fountain and the Rainier vista, on the UW campus. The seal of the University of Washington features the four columns and the Latin words "Lux Sit" - let there be light.
The land for the university's first location was donated by Arthur Denny, Edward Lander and Charlie Terry. Each would later have campus buildings named in their honor. That site was located in an area that is currently bordered by 4th and 6th Avenues and Seneca and Union Streets in downtown Seattle. In 1895 the university moved 4 miles north. In 1908 the original university building was torn down. These four Ionic cedar columns, dubbed "Loyalty", "Industry", "Faith" and "Efficiency" - LIFE, were salvaged and relocated to the new university site by an alumnus and professor, Edmond Meany. In 1935 on his way to give a lecture, Professor Meany died in the building named in honor of Arthur Denny.
When the university moved locations the regents couldn't find a buyer for the original piece of land. So, they leased the property. The university still owns this valuable tract of land and it generates millions of dollars for the university annually.
