The renaming of the Rathskeller and dining area
Names hold power, especially titles. When we are so used to calling something by one name, without thinking much of it, it can be very jarring when that name changes. Recently, much to the surprise of many students, it was announced that the beloved Rathskeller is on track to be renamed the “Dumb Ox.” The Dining Area in Haggar is now being graced with the name “Frassati’s.”
In an email, Dean of Students Gregory Roper explained the significance of both names. He says, “The story goes that when Thomas Aquinas was a young student, he tended to sit quietly, thinking. And he was a pretty big fella. So his fellow students started calling him “The Dumb Ox” (“dumb” as in unable to speak, not stupid.) The teacher, St. Albert the Great, said to the other students, “You may think he’s a dumb ox, but I tell you, this ox will bellow so that the whole world will hear him.”
As for the new name for the Dining Area, Roper said, “The students, I heard, were all clamoring for a name for the new space in Haggar and some came to me about it. I suggested that the administration come up with a name for the Grand Opening. I don’t exactly know who suggested Frassati’s. I liked another one I heard suggested a lot more, but people thought it too obscure. The President decided on Frassati’s”.
The new names of the dining areas seem to be quite fitting in regards with the school’s Catholic values. Additionally, as Roper said, “English and Irish pubs tend to have names based on an adjective and an animal. One of the most famous is The Black Swan, in Stratford, England, Shakespeare’s home town. (Then the English tend to make a nickname based on it… they call this one “The Dirty Bird.”)”.
But of course, not everyone may completely understand or get the references of the “Dumb Ox” or “Frassati’s”. The recent events have garnered mixed reactions from many students, ranging from confusion and dissent to contentment.
One student, Connie Chau, freshman business major, said, “To be honest, I don’t really get the reference. But apparently [it’s] biblical, so I guess there’s like a deeper meaning to it, but I guess on a surface level, it just seems really interesting to name a restaurant a ‘Dumb Ox.’” However, for Frassati’s, which she has expressed she visits everyday, she says, “I think it’s really cute. I think it’d be really nice just because it’s named after a saint like that.”
Another student, Michelle Ciacchella, an arts and English graduate student, who doesn’t often go to either of the two places, had a similar opinion regarding the Rathskeller, saying, “I think you have to know the background of why…it is called ‘the Dumb Ox.’ Because if you don’t, it’s a little off putting and rather confusing.”
There are those, of course, with opposing thoughts or concerns. Michael Dougherty, freshman, goes to the Rathskeller every other week, and when asked about the Dumb Ox, he said, “I think it’s a cool idea, and I really like Irish kind of culture and folk vibes, but I think it’ll annoy a lot of alumni and donors that they’re removing a piece of UD culture that’s been there for a long time and probably has a lot of memories attached to it.” When asked about Frassati’s, he said, “I think it’s awesome that they’re building it around the time of his canonization. I don’t think I object to it being called Frassati’s. I think people are actually going to call it that. I initially tried to get it called ‘The Burrow,’ but that kind of failed, mostly because lots of signs already had ‘The Hog’ on them for events and things.”
While slight skepticism and confusion does exist, there are still those that praise the clever idea. UD Postal Office staff member, Robert Hanson, says, “As an alumni from ‘93, it’s been the Rathskeller…but ‘The Dumb Ox’ is a very appropriate name to what we do around here. And so sure. It has a nice British flair.”
When asked about his awareness to the reference of Thomas Aquinas he said, “Oh yes, yes. I love that name for him. It’s kind of fun.” Additionally, when asked about Frassati’s, he gives another positive affirmation, saying, “He’s an excellent Saint for our times. So I get it, that’s a good-good naming for it. I don’t know what he has to do with hamburgers, but okay.”
In the end, Roper says, “So it seems to just fit perfectly… if you ask me. The great Catholic philosopher-theologian-hymn composer has a perfect space for sitting, relaxing, discussing, debating”. For Frassati’s, he clarifies more background knowledge, saying, “I like it a lot. Pier Giorgio was a young, charismatic, outdoorsy saint who liked mountain climbing, hiking, etc. It keeps the Italian vibe going from the Capp Bar. And he’s being canonized this year, so it’s kinda cool to have that area be inaugurated in the same year.”
While some long-standing students might still hold nostalgia for the old name, one thing is clear: The Rathskeller being renamed points towards a better future with better changes, as the area will also be under renovation with a performance area, a re-positioned and extended bar, additional seating and a game area on the way, according to Roper.
Since St. Thomas plays such a crucial role in the core curriculum of this school, it’s only natural to honor him further through the name ‘The Dumb Ox,’ a name once used to put him down but instead became the foreshadowing of his rise in influence and sainthood.
Renovations for it start this summer, and staff are urging students to fill out a survey deciding a graphic design for the logo by this upcoming Thursday, Feb. 27, so don’t forget to read the email.
Whether the name sticks in the long run socially with students remains to be seen, but for now, one can agree both areas’ culinary dishes leave a lasting impression.