Ascent of Humanity is a sculpture created by Alan Cottrill and unveiled in May, 1996. The installation showcases humans through time from Cro-Magnon man all the way to a female astronaut. Thirteen other figures between them depict how human progression through the ages.
The Ascent of Humanity sculpture previously ascended two adjoining walls of the Duda World Cultures building. In 2007, a new academic building, Duda Hall, replaced the older building of the same name. The sculpture was preserved during demolition and now stands in front of Manderino Library.