This article was originally published on May 24, 1996 and was re-printed on February 18, 2014 as part of the Maroon’s historical issue.

Jonathan Kleinbard, vice president of University News and Community Affairs, commented today on the portrait of Hanna Holborn Gray, University president emeritus.

The portrait, originally stolen in early April, was recovered and stolen once again later that same month. The Gray Bandits, as the thieves have been dubbed, have made their manifesto public in a series of letters and photographs dropped off at the Maroon offices.

“Our hope is that those who have taken it will return it unharmed,” said Kleinbard. The portrait originally hung in Hutchinson Commons in the Reynolds Club.

According to Kleinbard, a rumor circulated that the painting was to be turned in yesterday morning. However, he said that there is “no truth to the rumor. I hope that it will be turned in earlier rather than later because all of us are concerned that it will become damaged.”

University police are working closely with Chicago Police to recover the portrait. Kleinbard is offering a $500 reward for the safe return of the painting.