Welcome to IU!
Traditions are an important part of any school’s pride and legacy.
These traditions help bring together people of all races, cultures and personalities. They also open doors for shy people to emerge from their shells and stand confidently alongside their fellow Hoosiers.
Here are a few traditions we celebrate.
Whether it’s a football game or a concert by Straight No Chaser — a men’s a cappella group started at IU, Hoosiers celebrate school pride.
Football games are also a perfectly good excuse to paint your face and fist bump a stranger.
Homecoming is not just a time for football. It also brings a celebratory parade, the Nearly Naked Mile and other classic traditions.
Homecoming is also a legacy because IU was one of the first universities in the nation to adopt the celebration.
One of the great traditions celebrated at IU sporting events is the singing of the fight song. First performed in 1912, “Indiana, Our Indiana,” is the fight song played at every IU football and basketball game.
Basketball games are another opportunity for sport enthusiasts to really get excited about IU. Look out for Hoosier Hysteria late in the fall to kick off the season.
Athletics are not the only tradition. Make sure to get down and dance at IU’s Dance Marathon, an event that helps raise money for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Participants dance for 36 hours while they throw caution and sleep to the wind in order to support the cause.
Of course, exhaustion is expected, but the feeling of participating in a memorable event makes it all worthwhile.
“IUDM was the most inspiring and best part of my freshman year,” said sophomore Tess Ropp, a recruitment committee member. “Over everything I did last year, those 18 hours were the best. I loved it.”
Another must is the Little 500 race, which takes place annually. Little 500 weekend has been called “the World’s Greatest College Weekend.”
It mixes competition and school spirit with celebration and excitement as some of our school’s best athletes compete in a women and men’s bike race throughout the weekend.
IU traditions are a big part of school pride. The proof is in the audience of any sporting event, concert, festival, performance or musical you attend. If you take a look around, make sure to note there are plenty of proud alumni clapping and chanting along with you.
That being said, sing, chant, clap and dance every opportunity you get.
Save the Dates
Homecoming 2014
Week of Oct. 13-18
IUDM 2014
Nov. 14-16
Little 500 2015
April 24-25
