Block by block, the UD graduates began making an incredibly detailed replica of their former campus using Minecraft. For those who aren’t familiar with Minecraft, it’s basically a game in which users can craft tools, build structures or earthworks and even form complete nations that fight or cooperate with other nations.
And, though there are programs with which to build these 3D kingdoms in a more timely manner, the pair decided to take their time re-creating their alma mater. Using Google Maps and their memories of campus life, Schroeder and Cusumano painstakingly built the majority of the campus, which consists of approximately 380 acres of land.
Two @udaytonalumni have been rebuilding campus block by block. Matthew Cusumano ’15 and Jared Schroeder ‘15 built a Minecraft replica of UD in the popular game, which goes to show that this campus looks good in every medium.
— University of Dayton (@univofdayton) November 20, 2019
Check out @minecraftdayton for more. pic.twitter.com/p2FDA0RnLV
“We played Minecraft because we both like the video game and it was something that we could play together,” said Schroeder. “We built the first building, Kettering Labs, because we both had classes there. We liked how it looked and it was really cool to see the campus in 3D, so we decided to just keep building more and more.”
Here's a comparison between the real @univofdayton and our work so far! #UD #UniversityofDayton #GoFlyers pic.twitter.com/EbCT2caAON
— Dayton Minecraft (@MinecraftDayton) January 24, 2018
Schroeder and Cusumano graduated in 2015, and since that time, have managed to build very successful lives outside of the game. Schroeder is now based in Columbus and works for Honda as a research and design test engineer, while Cusumano is a computer engineer for a defense contractor.
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Despite their hard work over the last six years, the project has yet to be complete. (After all, they have charged themselves with recreating around 380 acres). According to Schroeder, the pair still has to build a few dorms that reside on campus, though we’re guessing that the pair doesn’t mind the extra time spent honing their (Mine)craft.
Students taking classes in St. Joseph Hall at the @univofdayton may recognize this view! #UD #Dayton #UniversityOfDayton pic.twitter.com/tRYnlt8lYH
— Dayton Minecraft (@MinecraftDayton) June 28, 2018
“We love UD, and it’s fun reminiscing about our time there while working on building the campus,” said Schroeder.
To stay up-to-date on their progress, be sure to follow their Twitter page, @MinecraftDayton.
Students taking classes in St. Joseph Hall at the @univofdayton may recognize this view! #UD #Dayton #UniversityOfDayton pic.twitter.com/tRYnlt8lYH
— Dayton Minecraft (@MinecraftDayton) June 28, 2018
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