TOP SPARTAN TRADITIONS
THE CLOCKTOWER
Legend has it that walking under this gift from the Class of 1941 means you won’t graduate on time. When you’re near Moran Commons and The Rawk, you’ll notice that students
rarely risk walking beneath it.
UNCG's Minerva Statue
MINERVA
The Roman Goddess of Wisdom has symbolized UNCG for over 125 years. In 2003, in honor of their 50th reunion, the Class of 1953 gifted the University the Minerva statue. In 2010, students began leaving apples as “offerings” for good grades. Today you’ll always find apples around the statue’s base during exams.
THE DAISY
The daisy symbolizes friendship. It was chosen as the school flower by the class of 1893, and in 1900, the first daisy chain at UNCG was made from daisies picked in nearby fields.
THE RAWK
Whether you call it “The Rock” or “The Rawk,” everybody agrees that you don’t paint over it for at least 24 hours. Alpha Phi Omega gifted this 12.7-ton boulder to UNCG in 1973, and it has been used as a message board ever since.
UNIVERSITY BELL
For over 125 years the University Bell has sounded for all kinds of occasions. It has been located all over campus, stored, restored, mounted and remounted and is still rolled out today and rung for important events.
UNIVERSITY SONG
Words and music for “The University Song” were written by Laura Weil Cone, Class of 1910. It is still sung at commencement and other special occasions: We raise our voices; let them swell in a chorus loud and strong; The rolling hills send back the sound of our triumphant song.CLASS RINGS
UNCG class rings had different designs and stones until 1935, when the appearance was standardized to gold or silver bands with the University Seal set in black onyx. Juniors are proud of their rings, which are awarded at an official class ring ceremony and are recognized by alumni all over the country.
FOUNDER'S DAY
Founders Day was established to honor Founder and President Charles Duncan McIver and other University leaders. On October 5, wreaths are placed at the McIver statue, on Dr. McIver’s grave and on the graves of other UNCG chancellors. And there’s always cake for students.
HOMECOMING BONFIRE
Now the biggest college bonfire in the state, the Homecoming Bonfire began in 2013, though earlier alumni often had smaller bonfires on special occasions. This event kicks off Homecoming weekend and attracts thousands of students and alumni who enjoy live music, entertainment and food.
LUMINAIRES & VACC BELL TOWER
In December 1969, a group of students met at EUC with 2,000 candles, white paper bags, soufflé cups, and a pile of sand to light the first UNCG luminaires. This holiday tradition, along with the lighting of the Vacc Bell Tower, occurs every Reading Day in the fall.
SPARTAN PRIDE
From the Naughty Naughts basketball team of 1900 to the 17 NCAA Division I programs for men and women that compete today, UNCG has over 118 years of athletic traditions. Fans show their school pride by painting up for big games and wearing blue and gold on Fridays.
Share stickers of many of these traditions with your iPhone or other iOS device.
By downloading the UNCG Mobile app you automatically get a sticker pack of key locations and graphics at UNCG. Use these in your text messages and Facetime conversations.
Look for them the next time you send a text!
By downloading the UNCG Mobile app you automatically get a sticker pack of key locations and graphics at UNCG. Use these in your text messages and Facetime conversations.
Look for them the next time you send a text!