TU Traditions

Transcript

Hold on, because we’re about to meet TU’s biggest fan. Freddy is a chemical engineering senior from Van Buren, Arkansas. He’s minoring in history, math, and biomedical engineering. Freddy never misses a Golden Hurricane game or a chance to hang out with TU’s canine ambassador, Goldie. You’re up, Freddie. Take it away.

– Thanks for that, Alex. Hey everyone. Upon weighing my options for colleges, the most important considerations for me were places with a real sense of belonging, community, prestige, and even spirit. Upon visiting the University of Tulsa, I knew this was the one. When I first toured TU, I learned we are very big on traditions. At the beginning of our freshman year, we run through the fountains at the end of our campus-wide, glow-in-the-dark scavenger hunt. This signifies the watershed moment that we are all experiencing. As a freshman class, we then storm the field during our first home football game.

– Game day!

– [Freddy] One of my favorite memories is President Carson paying for students to attend the ESPN College Game Day, Cincinnati versus Tulsa. Our small student group rivaled their entire stadium in energy and noise. Naturally, we also take homecoming very seriously, with a bonfire that can supposedly be seen from space. I also have to mention our most recent and my personal favorite tradition, Goldie. Whenever I’m near her office on campus, I always find an excuse to go see her. Just as we begin our college career with a tradition, we fittingly end it with another. After a senior’s last final exam, they head to Bayless Plaza to ring the Kendall Bell. This tradition has been going on for many, many years and has become such a big deal that the University throws a final bell party for all graduating seniors. But do not ring the bell before your last final. Rumor has it if you do, you won’t graduate. When I was in high school, I did not care about school traditions or athletics. Now I’m addicted to them. The passionate and engaging community of TU has given me the most amazing college experience ever. Reign ‘Cane, Alex.

– Yes, so much of college life is about those traditions and shared experiences. TU is over 125 years old and its traditions go back generations. Gathering for the homecoming pep rally and ringing the Kendall Bell are moments students here in Tulsa will never forget. Reign ‘Cane, Freddy. Take care.