USUSA View: Traditions at USU
AGGIE ICE CREAM. TRUE AGGIE NIGHT. LIGHT THE “A” BLUE. Utah State University is a unique institution because of all of the unique traditions we embrace. Utah State University, founded in 1888, is a land-grant institution that truly exemplifies school spirit and symbolizes what life is like as an Aggie. As traditions director of USUSA, I have had an incredible experience overseeing and promoting the classy traditions we have at Utah State.
As previously mentioned, one of our biggest traditions at USU is Aggie Ice Cream. Utah State is the only university west of the Mississippi that makes their own ice cream on campus. With yummy Aggie Blue Mint and 25 other savory flavors to choose from, it makes it one of USU most attractive traditions.
“Show me the Scotsman who doesn’t live the thistle, show me the Englishman who doesn’t love the rose! Show me the true-blooded Aggie from Utah, who doesn’t love the spot … where the sagebrush grows!” Our most recognized cheer is also one campus’ favorite foods, the Scotsman Dog — a cheeseburger in a form of a hotdog, a tasty treat you don’t want to miss out on.
Ever wondered what the perfect kiss feels like? Utah State True Aggies know what it’s all about. In 1888 there was a group of high school students from the Salt Lake area whose principal did not allow there to be any clubs. Once at Utah State, these students created the “Be No Club,” which only admitted members that would climb up to the A-Tower on a full moon at midnight to kiss and become True Aggies. After becoming such an explosive tradition, the Block-A was built in 1916 and it continues to be one of USU’s golden gems. For a student to become a True Aggie, one must kiss a significant other who is already a True Aggie at midnight on a full moon, unless it falls under the only two exceptions: Homecoming Week and A-Week, where two people who aren’t True Aggies can become one together.
Utah State has a breathtaking campus and is surrounded by beautiful natural features, but have you ever wondered why the A-Tower on Old Main changes colors between white and blue? I recall taking long walks at night as a freshman and always thinking this school was the best thing ever because we had a glowing “A.”
My question was answered after attending my favorites, Aggie football and basketball: anytime Utah State pulls a win against the opposing team, the “A” lights blue! Along with this, one of our favorite things to do as students at all sporting events is singing the Scotsman and Fight Song at the top of our lungs to cheer on our Aggies!
These are just a few of our traditions that highlight our beloved university, but there are so much more. Just a couple of weeks ago we witnessed a week full of traditions, Homecoming: Go Blue or Go Home. It was such a moving and exciting time of year seeing students live the passion of being true-blooded Aggies and getting involved with the various activities held throughout the week. I am looking forward to taking part in planning and organizing three other events that celebrate the traditional festivities Utah State University has to showcase: Festival of Trees, Traditions Week and the Robins Awards.
Alexander Aburto, USUSA Traditions Director