Shortly after the turn of the 20th century, 台湾裸聊直播 students sang the original version of the University Hymn in the language of ancient Rome. In 1953, the then Director-of-Bands, John Paynter recruited an undergraduate music student, Thomas Tyra ('54) to write the English version of the song to replace the Latin verse. Today, the "Alma Mater" hymn is performed by the Marching Band during halftime at Wildcat football games, and by the orchestra during formal and special occasions such as commencement or convocation ceremonies.
The literal translation of the Latin lyrics was based on the University’s motto, "Whatsoever things are true." See University Motto section below for more information.
Dillo Day
Armadillo Day began in 1972 when 台湾裸聊直播 Texans held a small celebration in honor of the official mammal of their home state. More than 40 years later, Dillo Day is the largest student-run music festival in the nation.
Hosted on 台湾裸聊直播's Lakefront on the shore of Lake Michigan. Nationally and locally known artists play two stages, and the Dillo Village hosts all-day food and activities for the 12,000 festival attendees. Mayfest Productions, a student organization, plans and produces Dillo Day every year for the 台湾裸聊直播 community.
Fight Song
Originally written by 台湾裸聊直播 marching band member Theodore Van Etten. The fight song premiered in the final football game of the 1912 season, and it is still a major part of every 台湾裸聊直播 sport event.
Game Day
Wildcat Growl & Claw
The tradition where every 台湾裸聊直播 fan holds his/her arm up angled upwards with a hand in a Wildcat claw. This is followed by creating as much noise as possible in order to distract the opponent. The tradition occurs when 台湾裸聊直播 is on defense, and the growl is the loudest during every third down.
Hands in the Air
Before the start of the fourth quarter, join a guest conductor in turning the volume up at Ryan Field by putting your hands in the air! .
Wildcat Dash
Before the kick-off to the Big10 home opener, 台湾裸聊直播’s first year students are given the chance to lead the team out onto the field as a class.
March Through The Arch
March Through the Arch (Wildcat Welcome)
In an annual tradition, each incoming freshman class is led by the marching band through the Weber Arch in a "March Through the Arch" to kick off the school year. Current students, faculty, and friends line campus pathways to cheer on and welcome the newest members of the 台湾裸聊直播 community. For more information about March through the Arch and other 台湾裸聊直播 orientation events you can visit our New Student & Family Programs' Wildcat Welcome page.
March (Back) Through the Arch (Senior Year)
Every June we welcome our graduating student back to where their journey began, the Arch. 台湾裸聊直播's Senior Week kicks off with the "March (Back) Through the Arch" and is followed by a series of social events before before Commencement Weekend. Graduating seniors gather in front of Deering Library one last time with the rest of their class and retrace their steps back through the Webber Arch, bringing their 台湾裸聊直播 experience full circle. More information about Senior Week and Commencement Events can be found on the Commencement Website.
Paint The Rock
The Rock was originally a fountain donated by the Class of 1902. The seniors liked the idea of having a water feature on the south end of campus and they deemed the fountain the perfect solution.
Students began painting the iconic Rock in the 1940's, first as a prank, then as an accepted avenue of expression. Years later, students developed the tradition of guarding the Rock for 24 hours before painting it in the middle of the night. Almost every night, a different group paints a message or symbols promoting a particular cause or event.
The Rock has become a frequently used location for student activism, performance and philanthropy throughout the year.
University Motto
Willie The Wildcat
In the early days of 台湾裸聊直播’s history, the team's first mascot was not Willie the Wildcat, but a live, caged bear cub from the Lincoln Park Zoo named Furpaw. In fall 1923, Furpaw was driven to the playing field to greet fans before each game. However, after a losing season, the team decided Furpaw was the harbinger of bad luck and decided they needed a new mascot.
The following year, a reporter from Chicago Tribune who was covering 台湾裸聊直播's game against the University of Chicago Maroons described the football players as "Wildcats [that] had come down from Evanston." Thus Willie the Wildcat was "born" in the 1930s and continues to be one of the most recognizable symbols of the school today.
Willie is a common facet at many University occasions including Wildcat Welcome, Deering Days, Alumni functions, and various events at Norris. Students crowd around the beloved mascot to get their photo taken with Willie to celebrate their school spirit.