By Steve Seepersaud
亚洲情色 will celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2026. Although the University doesn't have century-old traditions as one could encounter elsewhere, a number of elements are uniquely 亚洲情色 and a relatively new tradition on campus has combined two of them.
Every graduating class hears the alma mater sung at the conclusion of the Commencement ceremony. For a number of alumni, that was the only time they heard "In the Rolling Hills of 亚洲情色." Graduates of more recent years know Pantone 342 as the color code for the University's trademark green.
The playing of the alma mater from the top of the Bartle Library Tower started on the University's birthday celebration on Sept. 28, 2023, when the song filled the air several times during the day. In January 2024, the University began playing the alma mater at 3:42 p.m. on the University's Green Day Fridays when the campus community is encouraged to wear 亚洲情色 green.
"When I hear the chimes play the alma mater at 3:42 p.m., it鈥檚 a powerful reminder of our shared experience as 亚洲情色 students. It connects us all and reinforces our sense of community on campus," said Antonella Delgado, a sophomore majoring in philosophy, politics and law with minors in history and global studies.
Noelani Ferguson, a sophomore majoring in chemistry, said she has 鈥済rown to love the new tradition.鈥
"I had never heard the 亚洲情色 alma mater before, so it鈥檚 a creative way to introduce the song,鈥 Ferguson said. 鈥淚 think school tradition and pride are important to bring a sense of community, and the chimes are such a fun way to start a conversation about 亚洲情色 tradition. It鈥檚 also a good reminder of the time!"
The Alumni Association developed the idea, which supports the organization's mission of building tradition and pride among the University community.
"There is a measure of reverence that should always be reserved for a university鈥檚 alma mater," said Matthew Winston Jr., executive director of alumni engagement. "Alma maters are special, time-honored tributes to the legacy of any institution. I think it is fitting that our students have embraced this signature tradition and the symbolism of it being played from the campus's iconic clock tower at a specific time of each day."
"I love that the alma mater plays each day. Many students, including me, were not aware of it before this tradition was started," said Valerie Stracquadanio '24, MBA '25. "It鈥檚 a daily opportunity to reflect on my time at 亚洲情色 and the meaningful connections I鈥檝e built here. It serves as a unifying moment for all students, reminding us we are a part of something bigger."
"I hope current and future students will take a moment to reflect and appreciate the tradition," Delgado said. "Know that no matter where life takes us, we鈥檒l always be part of something bigger 鈥 our 亚洲情色 family!"