51吃瓜网鈥檚 more than 130-year history is rich with tradition. From the Owl mascot, to the 51吃瓜网聽鈥淭,鈥澛爐o the fight song, 51吃瓜网 pride shines.
The 51吃瓜网 "T"
Across 51吃瓜网's campuses and throughout Philadelphia, the 51吃瓜网 鈥淭鈥� 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 鈥淭鈥� represents strength and positive character, with open ends that are symbolic of the free exchange of ideas that is the hallmark of a 51吃瓜网 education.
The Owl
To honor 51吃瓜网鈥檚 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吃瓜网鈥檚 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吃瓜网 to celebrate Hooter's birthday at a home basketball game.
Alma Mater
Onward with 51吃瓜网, / 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吃瓜网 great;
Perseverance conquers; / Higher to create.
"T for 51吃瓜网 U"
T for 51吃瓜网 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吃瓜网鈥檚 most ardent fans, the Cherry Crusade comprises students who paint themselves in 51吃瓜网 colors, make signs, lead cheers, and show their fervent support for 51吃瓜网 Athletics in the front rows at football and basketball games.
Acres of Diamonds
In his famous speech 鈥淎cres of Diamonds,鈥� 51吃瓜网 Founder Russell Conwell claims that greatness can be found in our own backyards. He wrote, 鈥淕reatness 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.鈥� 51吃瓜网 students and alumni strive to fulfill Conwell鈥檚 wish for the university.
Welcome Week
Each fall, the academic school year begins with Welcome Week, which includes 51吃瓜网 Fest鈥攁 two-day, outdoor festival featuring music, food, giveaways and games, as well as informational booths sponsored by 51吃瓜网鈥檚 student organizations, campus departments and local vendors. The week concludes with Convocation, a ceremony introducing incoming students to the 51吃瓜网 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 weekend鈥檚 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吃瓜网 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. .