Tarleton Traditions for the first time student
Francisco Castro, Contributor
Tarleton State University is home to many traditions. Some dating back to the beginning of John Tarleton Agriculture College, and some that goes on year-round. With so many Traditions on our campus, it can be overwhelming to remember them all and how each of them works. Fortunately, this article will explain the importance of our Traditions while laying out the do’s and don’ts.
There are a lot of Traditions mentioned, and there are still more to learn. Fortunately, there is a Purple Book that contains all you need to know about Tarleton Traditions. Located on the main web page, the Purple book is easy to access and can be stored on any of your devices. Feel free to consult it at any time to learn more about Traditions.
Candle Lighting Ceremonies Pt. 1: Convocation
At the end of T-Week, you and your fellow classmates will be participating in one of the Candle Lighting Ceremonies known as Convocation. At Convocation, each student will be given a candle, which they will light. As the candles are being lit, you will swear to live by the University’s Core Values and to do so while burning brightly. By lighting the candle, you and your classmates officially become...
Howdy Week
On the first week of school, Tarleton State gives to you, events and activities hosted by the multiple clubs and school organizations. These various events and activities are a great way to destress from first day of class jitters as well as finding ways to get involved on campus. Do Participate in as many activities as you can…or don’t, we wont judge. Invite a friend to join you/make...
Homecoming: Lighting of the Smokestack
To start off Homecoming Week, members of the Tarleton Family will gather in front of the Smokestack and hold a mini-party. At the conclusion, the Smokestack will be lit purple and will remain lit throughout Homecoming Week. On several occasions throughout the year, the Smokestack may be lit purple in celebration of an outstanding achievement made by members of the Tarleton Family. Do: Show your s...
Homecoming: Launching of the Ducks
The Launching of the Ducks is one of the youngest Homecoming Traditions Tarleton has to offer. Members of the Tarleton Family will meet at the Reflecting Pool located in front of the Nursing Building to launch their duck. Participants will be given a rubber duck with which they will write on their dreams and/or goals and launch them into the reflecting pool. By launching their ducks, participants are...
Homecoming: Midnight Breakfast
Held in the Dining Hall, Midnight Breakfast features a wonderful meal served hot and delicious one night during the week of Homecoming. The night opens with a plate of sausages, eggs, and Purple Pancakes that Bleed Purple. Throughout the night, there will be bopping music to dance to and freebies to be found. Do: Get your fill of Purple Pancakes. This meal only happens once a year, so don’t...
Homecoming: Yell Contest
Yell Contest is known as one of the most popular, and loudest, Tarleton Homecoming Traditions yet. Various organizations perform song-and-dance routines to a panel of judges and to a massive audience. The Winners of Yell Contest will get to Beat the Drum following The Plowboys. Do: Give it your all at Yell Contest with your organization. Cheer for the best performance if you are spectating. ...
Homecoming: Snake Dance
Following Yell Contest, participants and audience members will exit Wisdom Gym and perform the Snake Dance. To do so, participants will hold hands and perform a snake-like movement as they make their way around campus. Do: Make friends while Snake Dancing. Snake Dance to your hearts content Don't: Run while Snake Dancing. A brisk pace is ok, but running may cause the snake to break...
Homecoming: Beating of the Drum
The Beating of the Drum was introduced during the JTAC-NTAC rivalry as a defensive measure to prevent the early lighting of the bonfire. Today, we honor that piece of history by beating a steel drum all day and all night until kickoff of the Homecoming game. Do: Show your pride and Beat the Drum…even if you are scheduled at 3:30 a.m. Encourage your organization to sign up to Beat the Drum ...
Homecoming: L.V. Risinger Bonfire
A timeless Tradition, the Bonfire is built by the Plowboys and lit the night before the Homecoming Game. In honor of the Texan who defended the Bonfire by throwing a 2x4 piece of wood at an invading NTAC airplane, the Bonfire is named after L.V. Risinger. Do: Raise your guns up and sing the Color Song when the Bonfire is lit. Take many aesthetically pleasing pictures and post them on Social M...
Candle Lighting Ceremonies Pt. Two: Silver Taps
Held every year in the Spring Semester, Silver Taps honors the many Tarleton Texans and TexAnns that have passed away. Volunteers carry a lit candle in the name of the deceased Texan and blows the flame out in unison. Putting the flame to rest marks the end of a legacy of a fellow Texan, and Silver TAPS allows the Tarleton Family to honor that person’s legacy for the last time. Do: Volunteer t...
Rock Walls, JTAC Heart’s, and Original 40 Acres
Built in the 1930’s, The Rock Walls surrounding parts of campus represents the original 40 acres Founder John Tarleton bought to build John Tarleton Agricultural College. To show respect to the 40 acres, we do not walk on the grass. As the years went by, the JTAC Hearts were carved onto one of the walls. It is now located in Heritage Park. Do: Take the time to be thankful for the Rock Walls a...
TTP and TTS/ The Purple Poo
The Ten Tarleton Peppers and The Ten Tarleton Sisters, commonly known as the Purple Poo, are charged with raising the spirit of Oscar P. As the oldest spirit organization in the State of Texas, they are heavily experienced with their craft. By wearing fun mask and crazy outfits, as well as writing Poo Signs, the Poo never fail to put a smile on Texans’ face. Do: Help raise the spirit of Os...
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