Created by alumnus Lorado Taft, the sculpture has served as the campus' most recognizable symbol since its installation in 1929. It was a gift from the classes of 1923-29 and pays homage to U. of I's motto "Learning and Labor" by featuring an iron worker with a leather apron; Athena the goddess of wisdom; and Alma Mater, the mother with outstretched arms, as its centerpiece.