Robert W. Woodruff Statue

Beneath the Georgia sun, a bronze figure stands tall before the Robert W. Woodruff Library. This isn’t just any statue. This is Robert W. Woodruff himself, captured in a moment of contemplation. The Robert W. Woodruff Statue isn’t merely a piece of art. It’s a symbol of a man’s legacy, intertwined with the history of Emory University and Coca-Cola. Woodruff, the former president of Coca-Cola, was a significant benefactor to Emory. He, along with his brother, George Woodruff, made a record-breaking donation of $105 million to the university in 1979. This generosity is reflected in the many buildings on campus that bear the Woodruff name. The Robert W. Woodruff Library is one of the most prominent. Interestingly, this statue has a history as rich as the man it depicts. Commissioned by The Coca-Cola Foundation, it was originally unveiled in 1983 on the lawn of Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. Woodruff himself, at the age of 93, attended the dedication. Years later, after being stored away, the statue found a new home at Emory in 2000. Emory leadership requested the statue from the Woodruff Arts Center. It now stands proudly in front of the library, a silent testament to Woodruff’s lasting impact. The Robert W. Woodruff Statue is more than just bronze and granite. It’s a reminder of the power of philanthropy and the enduring connection between a man, a university, and a city.