20 Most Iconic Photos in College History

July 20th, 2011
Photos have more power than most people give them credit for. In a world where there are more photographs online than time to view them all, the value of photos is easy to underestimate. At their surface, they are a record of history: wedding photos that capture who was there for your celebration, war photos that show the sadness and devastation experienced halfway across the world. But beyond that, photos can impact the world. Joe Rosenthal’s historic photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima not only preserved an important moment in World War II, it gave the American people an enduring symbol of victory that changed the perception of the war.
Not every photograph can have such a profound impact, but so many have. Important moments in college history have been preserved in photographs, changing the way people view college, whether through an understanding of racism, protests, tragedy, or celebration. Read on to learn about 20 iconic photos, offered in no particular order, that gave the world a glimpse into what college life is really about.

1. James Zwerg: In 1961, a group of white and black college students, known as the Freedom Riders, took a bus trip through the segregated South with the goal of desegregating public transportation. James Zwerg, a white student, was one of them. When their bus arrived in Montgomery, Alabama, they were greeted by an angry mob, and Zwerg volunteered to be the first to exit. He was attacked and beaten to a pulp. Photographers captured what had been done to Zwerg, and the images of his blackened eyes and bloody suit were shared around the world. Zwerg’s actions and the photos from the event made him one of the movement’s first heroes, featured in documentaries and history books.
   
2. 1969 Michigan vs. Ohio State Football Game: The 1969 Michigan vs. Ohio State football game was one of the biggest upsets in college football history. Ohio was the defending national champion, a top ranked team with a 22 game winning streak as they played Michigan for the Big Ten Conference Championship. In the final seconds of the game, Michigan turned over the ball and took a knee, running out the clock at 24-12. The crowd at Michigan Stadium rushed the field, and a photographer caught the image of the captain, Jim Mandich, being carried off the field crying with joy, creating an iconic photograph of the ecstasy of college football.Read more