Brown University

The Griffins visit Brown University so that Meg can apply for admission in S2E19, "The Story On Page 1." Brian claims that Brown is his Alma Mater (which means he must have spent more than half of his seven years matriculating there). Exterior locations, including the Van Wickle gates and University Hall, are represented in varying degrees of fidelity.

Brian: Ah, the old alma mater. I tell you there's something magical about Brown.
Chris: Brown's the color of poo! Ah ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
Brian: Yes. Yes it is... And this is Pembroke Quad.
Stewie: Ah, very nice, very "Brideshead Revisited."

Brian returns to Brown in S4E15, "Brian Goes Back to College," after his dropout status costs him a job at New Yorker magazine. Again, the representation of the Van Wickle gates is pretty close, although there is no sign reading "Welcome to Brown University" in real life, there ought to be a few more trees, and the sidewalk should be brick. University and Sayles Halls are also identifiable. Brian enrolls in the one class he needs for graduation, Advanced Physics, taught by a professor modeled on Stephen Hawking. While Brian struggles with the class, Stewie throws himself into campus life, partying and stealing test answers that he supplies to Brian. Brian is ashamed of cheating, though, and when it comes time to take the final, he tries to blow it off. But the A-Team (Peter, Cleveland, Joe, and Quagmire) won't let him throw away his chance at a diploma. Smashing their van through the Van Wickle gates, they manage to get Brian to the exam on time. Afterward, Brian announces that he failed. But, he says philosophically, "at least I failed on my own."

By the way, this episode includes a quick sight gag. At a basketball game, the scoreboard reads "Brown vs. Board of Education."

See also 867-5309.