*As part of a campus-wide initiative to increase school spirit, R.E.A.L. Bears Vice President, Tyler Durhum, is working with various departments and student organizations to create a list of campus traditions in the form a “Missouri State Bucket List” for students to accomplish during their time on campus. If you have any suggestions, please contact Tyler at Durham33@live.missouristate.edu.
Traditions are the things we hold most dear and that resonate the loudest on any college campus. They evoke a sense of pride in our university, whether it is attending every football game or simply going to Missouri State’s annual Bear Bash. They are a way of connecting students to alumni, to their alma mater and each other years after graduation. Traditions foster a great sense of community and offer excellent opportunities for new students to get involved and be included.
Missouri State has hundreds of traditions, some known by most every student, and others known by only a few. Nonetheless, they are all important parts of our campus’ history. The diversity of activities and organizations on campus offers a special tradition for all students. If you are interested in the music or the arts, Missouri State holds dozens of concerts every semester. You can also experience Art Walk in Downtown Springfield every month at Missouri State’s Brick City and other local galleries.
You can make playing an intramurals game on the Betty and Bobby Alison fields (formally the Taco Bell fields) a tradition, or cheering on the Bears and Lady Bears basketball game with friends could be your forté.
Some traditions can be personal, such as taking an annual picture in front of the Bear in the North Mall, staying awake for 24 hours during finals week, giving Boomer a high-five every time you see him, or celebrating the first snowfall of the season with a snowball fight in front of Strong Hall. Traditions are about making a connection with your university, whether with a few friends or the entire school.
College is a very important and special time that will be cherished forever, and traditions help create that indelible mark. Nothing can bring the entire school closer together, which is why they are so vital. Traditions give us a sense of belonging, showing us the importance of shared experiences cannot be overvalued.
Tyler Durham; Nixa, Mo
Music Composition and Electronic Arts Major