Tradition allows a nation to create history. Janelle Reinelt, author of "National Signs of Estonian Identity in Performance," discusses how having a national public sphere, such as theatre, builds national identity. Events held as a part of Indiana State University are comparable to theatre in Estonia; we express identity through several public sphere events. Having traditions allows the citizens of Indiana State to be more active, thus making history more easily learned (since history is linked to traditions).
Just as a America's constitution, flag, and national anthem is the base of our country, a university's mascot, colors, and fight song is the base of tradition for the school. Indiana State's Sycamore Sam, blue and white, and March On fight song allow for tradition to occur by relating and assigning these to the university. The name "Sycamores" replaced the Fighting Teachers in 1922 after the Indiana State Normal School held a student body contest that made the popular vote, the Sycamores, the new sports teams name. Sycamore Sam was first introduced to Indiana State in 1955. The university's first mascot was the Indian Chiefs (1969-1989). Indiana State's fight song was first performed at a homecoming event in 1939; it was originally written as a pep song by Joseph Gremelspacher (professor of music). March On (You Fighting Sycamores) has been the fight song since its introduction in 1939. The colors, yale blue and white, replaced the colors os salmon pink and white in 1899. These colors, our mascot, and our fight song are used throughout the university, establishing a constant tradition and symbol of Indiana State.
Donaghy Day, which begun in 1976, is meant for students to give back to the campus and the surrounding community. It is named after Fred Donaghy, a former student and professor of life sciences. The day is dedicated to celebrate the season and volunteer to help the campus' beauty. In 2009, more than 160 incoming freshman gathered to play a role in Indiana State University's Donaghy Day.
Homecoming is a tradition at every school that allows students, staff, alumni, and community to come together in spirit. Events such as the Tug-o-War (shown), Blue and White Parade, Trike Race, Pep Rally, and Torch parade take place annually. Homecoming first was known as Blue and White day in 1919. The events began to be centered around a football game in 1921, and the first parade occurred in 1923.
The Book and Torch ceremony allows the graduating senior class to become alumni at Indiana State. Another ceremony occurs at commencement. Graduation has been a tradition since Indiana State Normal School established in 1865. Graduation reflects on years spent at Indiana State, as well as rewards students for their accomplishment. "Citizenship" to the university is preserved by becoming an alumni during the Book and Torch ceremony.
The Milk Mile, a recently added tradition, is an athletic event where participants have to drink 12oz of chocolate milk between each lap of the mile, totaling 4 glasses for 4 laps. If a participant throws up or spills their milk during the race, they must run a one lap penalty for each time, but do not have to drink extra milk. Students and community members sign up for the event, allowing a wide range of times and heats for competition. Last year, Jeremiah Vaughn won the competition with a time of 4:44.1, a new world record for any Milk Mile competition held.
Spring Week is a week of activities that include community service, entertainment, recreational activities, and competitive activities. The most popular event is the Tandem Race (shown left). Spring Week began in 1970 as the official Centennial Celebration. The teams that participate in the Tandem Race are campus organizations, taking 10 male and 10 female riders to the event.
Just as a America's constitution, flag, and national anthem is the base of our country, a university's mascot, colors, and fight song is the base of tradition for the school. Indiana State's Sycamore Sam, blue and white, and March On fight song allow for tradition to occur by relating and assigning these to the university. The name "Sycamores" replaced the Fighting Teachers in 1922 after the Indiana State Normal School held a student body contest that made the popular vote, the Sycamores, the new sports teams name. Sycamore Sam was first introduced to Indiana State in 1955. The university's first mascot was the Indian Chiefs (1969-1989). Indiana State's fight song was first performed at a homecoming event in 1939; it was originally written as a pep song by Joseph Gremelspacher (professor of music). March On (You Fighting Sycamores) has been the fight song since its introduction in 1939. The colors, yale blue and white, replaced the colors os salmon pink and white in 1899. These colors, our mascot, and our fight song are used throughout the university, establishing a constant tradition and symbol of Indiana State. 
Donaghy Day, which begun in 1976, is meant for students to give back to the campus and the surrounding community. It is named after Fred Donaghy, a former student and professor of life sciences. The day is dedicated to celebrate the season and volunteer to help the campus' beauty. In 2009, more than 160 incoming freshman gathered to play a role in Indiana State University's Donaghy Day.
Homecoming is a tradition at every school that allows students, staff, alumni, and community to come together in spirit. Events such as the Tug-o-War (shown), Blue and White Parade, Trike Race, Pep Rally, and Torch parade take place annually. Homecoming first was known as Blue and White day in 1919. The events began to be centered around a football game in 1921, and the first parade occurred in 1923.
The Book and Torch ceremony allows the graduating senior class to become alumni at Indiana State. Another ceremony occurs at commencement. Graduation has been a tradition since Indiana State Normal School established in 1865. Graduation reflects on years spent at Indiana State, as well as rewards students for their accomplishment. "Citizenship" to the university is preserved by becoming an alumni during the Book and Torch ceremony.
The Milk Mile, a recently added tradition, is an athletic event where participants have to drink 12oz of chocolate milk between each lap of the mile, totaling 4 glasses for 4 laps. If a participant throws up or spills their milk during the race, they must run a one lap penalty for each time, but do not have to drink extra milk. Students and community members sign up for the event, allowing a wide range of times and heats for competition. Last year, Jeremiah Vaughn won the competition with a time of 4:44.1, a new world record for any Milk Mile competition held.
Spring Week is a week of activities that include community service, entertainment, recreational activities, and competitive activities. The most popular event is the Tandem Race (shown left). Spring Week began in 1970 as the official Centennial Celebration. The teams that participate in the Tandem Race are campus organizations, taking 10 male and 10 female riders to the event.
