Campus Files: "Bessie on the Dome" – Episode Summary
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Introduction
In the July 2, 2025 episode of Campus Files, host Ian Mont delves into one of the most legendary pranks in MIT's storied history: the audacious placement of a fiberglass cow named Bessie atop MIT's Great Dome in 1979. This detailed exploration not only recounts the meticulous planning and execution of the prank but also sheds light on the broader culture of "hacks" at MIT—ingenious, unsanctioned acts that serve as cultural commentary.
MIT's Prank Culture and the Legend of Hacks
Mont sets the stage by contextualizing MIT's reputation for elaborate pranks, known locally as "hacks." These acts are more than mere pranks; they are thoughtful, often non-destructive commentaries on cultural or institutional aspects. Mont references historical hacks, such as a 1930s stunt where students welded a streetcar to its rails using thermite bombs, and a Baker House prank involving the displacement of a piano, highlighting the technical ingenuity and creativity characteristic of MIT's student body.
Notable Quote:
Larry Kader describes hacks as more than pranks, stating, "It's definitely a prank, but it is thought of as more of a commentary than just a prank." [14:10]
Planning the Great Dome Prank
The episode zeroes in on the late 1970s, a period ripe with prank activity at MIT. Larry Kader, a senior chemical engineering student and member of the Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity, spearheaded the plan to place Bessie on the Great Dome. Motivated by his desire to obtain a herd of fiberglass cows from the nearby Hilltop Steakhouse, Kader collaborated with Aaron Bobbeck and other fraternity members to execute the prank.
Notable Quotes:
Larry Kader explains the initial inspiration: "I said, gee, I've always wanted one of those [fiberglass cows]." [04:21]
Aaron Bobbeck reflects on the initial act: "We were somewhat adrenaline fueled, so we may have had our greater than typical strength." [07:44]
Execution of the Prank: Phases and Challenges
The operation was meticulously planned in four phases:
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Infiltration: On a late October night, the team transported Bessie from Hilltop Steakhouse to the ATO house using a rented van. Despite encountering unexpected challenges, such as Bessie's cement footings making her heavy and immovable, the team successfully loaded her into the basement. [07:15]
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Strategizing the Placement: Recognizing the impracticality of keeping Bessie at the fraternity house due to space constraints, the team conceived the idea of placing her on the Great Dome—a feat requiring both coordination and technical skill.
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Ascending the Dome: Utilizing an access panel in the engineering library, Aaron and Mike infiltrated the mechanical areas leading to the dome. The ground team navigated Bessie through the campus to the Great Dome's courtyard without attracting immediate police attention. [21:11]
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Final Placement and Escape: The climax involved securing Bessie onto the dome using ropes. Despite an initial mishap where knots came undone, the team successfully hoisted her to the skylight atop the dome. Their escape, however, was compromised when campus police unexpectedly discovered them during their descent via the elevator shaft, which had unknowingly been hacked to reroute their journey. [23:34]
Notable Quotes:
Larry Kader on handling Bessie: "I was underneath the neck and was the one to first lift the feet free of the ground." [07:50]
Aaron Bobbeck on the infiltration: "We could just crawl through this access panel into the mechanical part." [22:02]
Aftermath and Legacy
The prank garnered significant media attention, with helicopters circling the campus and news crews capturing the spectacle. Despite the high stakes, the fraternity members faced minimal repercussions. The MIT Chief of Police, amused by the ingenuity of the stunt, opted not to impose sanctions. Bessie was promptly removed from the dome by authorities but not before embedding herself into MIT's cultural fabric.
Hilltop Steakhouse capitalized on the prank by using Bessie's adventure as publicity, even designing a special graduation cap for her. Bessie ultimately found a permanent home in the MIT Museum, symbolizing the enduring legacy of the prank.
Notable Quotes:
Larry Kader on media coverage: "There were helicopters flying over and pictures going out over the airwaves..." [28:10]
Aaron Bobbeck reflects on Bessie's place in the MIT Museum: "There's a display and all of a sudden there was the cow." [31:25]
Reflections from the Pranksters
Years later, both Larry and Aaron reflected on their involvement. Aaron, now the dean of an engineering school, offered cautious advice to current students contemplating similar acts:
Aaron's Advice:
"Can you explain to your mother why you decided to do this? If the consequences could be significant, you might want to reevaluate." [33:11]
In contrast, Larry encouraged the spirit of innovation that fueled their prankding days:
Larry's Advice:
"Do it. And the more innovative, the better." [33:39]
Conclusion
"Bessie on the Dome" serves as a captivating recount of MIT's prankish ingenuity and the lengths to which students will go to leave their mark. Through meticulous planning, camaraderie, and a touch of audacity, Larry Kader, Aaron Bobbeck, and their ATO fraternity brothers immortalized Bessie atop one of the world's most iconic academic landmarks. This episode not only celebrates the prank itself but also honors the creative spirit that defines MIT's enduring culture of hacks.
Notable Participants:
- Ian Mont: Host and narrator of the episode.
- Larry Kader: Senior chemical engineering student and ATO member involved in the prank.
- Aaron Bobbeck: Junior computer science and math student, later dean of an engineering school, and co-conspirator.
Production Credits:
- Produced by: Ian Mont, Eliot Adler, Margo Gray
- Executive Producers and Story Editors: Maddie Sprunkiser, Lloyd Lockridge
- Edited by: Chris Basel, Andy Jaskowicz
- Original Theme Music: James Waterman and Davy Sumner
For More Information:
To explore more scandals that have rocked American institutions, Campus Files recommends checking out Seasons 1-3 of Gangster Capitalism available on their feed:
- Season 1: The College Admissions Scandal
- Season 2: The NRA
- Season 3: Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University
Have tips or story ideas? Email campusfilespod@gmail.com.
This summary provides an in-depth look into the "Bessie on the Dome" episode, encapsulating the essence of the prank, the motivations behind it, the execution, and its lasting impact on MIT's culture. It captures notable quotes and organizes the narrative into coherent sections for easy comprehension.