Students create MU memories by participating in unofficial traditions
by Emily Schmidt, posted April 8, 2008

Traditions tell us much about who we are and where we have been. Here at Mizzou there are the traditions that teachers and parents urge students to become a part of, such as passing through the columns as a freshman or walking through them again as a graduating senior. Then there are the more common traditions, such as wearing the school colors of black and gold.

But what about the “unofficial” Mizzou traditions that students have created throughout the years?

These traditions encourage students to break a few rules, but all in the name of fun. Here are a few non-University sanctioned activities you may see students participating in around campus:

• Riding the tiger in Tiger Plaza. That infamous tiger is the goal for many students to ride upon their graduation from Mizzou.

“A few nights ago, some friends and I attempted to ride the tiger in the plaza,” said Lexi Baumert. “It’s definitely not as easy as it looks, I just took my picture next to it.”

• Swimming in Brady fountain. This of course is only possible when there is water in it, so it’s only a possibility for students during the warmer months!

“I plan to swim in the fountain before I graduate,” said JP Reynolds. “If I need a bath, and the water in Brady looks clean, I might take a swim.”

• Kissing the 50-yard line at Farout Field. A right of passage for any Mizzou student. Each time it’s a different scenario. Whether it’s a warm early May morning during finals week or there are 12 inches of snow on the ground in January, it’s guaranteed to be a fun time.

“I could describe [kissing the 50] in one word: amazing,” said Brianne Girse. “One day my roommate and I just went to the south side of the field and did it. It was so neat to be on the field.”

• Climbing to the roof of Jesse Hall — perhaps the most risky of all the unofficial traditions. The trick is to make it to the top without sounding the alarms (or falling). Students usually skip this tradition, unless they have done their research.

Exploring the tunnels that run under the campus. This might rank as the most complicated tradition to accomplish. There are only a few entrances, and most are locked.

• Streaking the Quad. This is a popular tradition often highlighted in movies about college life. At Mizzou, it’s a problem that MUPD keeps a good eye out for, so watch out.

Students of all grade levels and bravery levels take on these traditions, but only those not afraid of trouble complete them.

“I want to remember Mizzou for something more than the difficult classes I took, and the traditions are that for me,” Reynolds said.

If you have a Facebook account, you can learn more about these traditions from students who have completed them, and connect with students who hope to complete them, by joining their Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2209805410.

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