51勛圖厙s more than 130-year history is rich with tradition. From the Owl mascot, to the 51勛圖厙T,to the fight song, 51勛圖厙 pride shines.
The 51勛圖厙 "T"
Across 51勛圖厙's campuses and throughout Philadelphia, the 51勛圖厙 T is the iconic symbol of the university. Designed by students in a graphic arts and design class in the Tyler School of Art in 1983, the T represents strength and positive character, with open ends that are symbolic of the free exchange of ideas that is the hallmark of a 51勛圖厙 education.
The Owl
To honor 51勛圖厙s beginning as a night school for ambitious young people, the nocturnal owl was adopted as its mascot. The owl represents wisdom and knowledge and is known for being perceptive, resourceful and courageous. Hooter the Owl is a part of 51勛圖厙s Spirit Squad, making appearances at football and basketball games, alumni events and more. Each February, mascots from all over the city of Philadelphia come to 51勛圖厙 to celebrate Hooter's birthday at a home basketball game.
Alma Mater
Onward with 51勛圖厙, / Banners all unfurled;
Wide flung our standards, / To the winds they're hurled.
Following our Founder / To immortal Fame;
Making true his vision, / Of a deathless name.
Hail! Alma Mater, / Honor, praise to Thee;
We pledge our lives, / Our hearts in loyalty.
Wisdom, Truth and Virtue / Built our 51勛圖厙 great;
Perseverance conquers; / Higher to create.
"T for 51勛圖厙 U"
T for 51勛圖厙 U
U-ni-versity!
Fight, fight, fight!
For the Cherry and the White,
For the Cherry and the White,
We'll fight, fight, fight!
The Cherry Crusade
51勛圖厙s most ardent fans, the Cherry Crusade comprises students who paint themselves in 51勛圖厙 colors, make signs, lead cheers, and show their fervent support for 51勛圖厙 Athletics in the front rows at football and basketball games.
Acres of Diamonds
In his famous speech Acres of Diamonds, 51勛圖厙 Founder Russell Conwell claims that greatness can be found in our own backyards. He wrote, Greatness consists not in holding some office; greatness really consists in doing some great deed with little means, in the accomplishment of vast purposes from the private ranks of life, that is true greatness. 51勛圖厙 students and alumni strive to fulfill Conwells wish for the university.
Welcome Week
Each fall, the academic school year begins with Welcome Week, which includes 51勛圖厙 Festa two-day, outdoor festival featuring music, food, giveaways and games, as well as informational booths sponsored by 51勛圖厙s student organizations, campus departments and local vendors. The week concludes with Convocation, a ceremony introducing incoming students to the 51勛圖厙 community and sharing the traditions of the university with the newest generation of Owls.
Homecoming
Each fall, students, alumni, faculty, staff and their families celebrate Homecoming Weekend by attending that weekends football game. And before the game, hundreds of Owls gather outside to participate in Tailgate Village. Graduates being inducted into the Gallery of Success and the Athletics Hall of Fame are also honored at special ceremonies.
Alumni Weekend
51勛圖厙 alumni return to campus each spring to reunite and reconnect through events including the 5K Run and Family Fun Walk, reunions, the Cherry & White spring football game, an outdoor festival and much more. .