College traditions are important. They might tell a story about your school or hint at the history of your college town. Wherever they originate, there’s one thing that’s certain: they help you integrate into your new college family.
At ASU, we have six key traditions you should know about. These traditions will come up time and time again during your four years at ASU. While these may not make sense to outsiders, to you and your ASU family, they’re integral to ASU spirit.
Traditions You’ll See
Dominic
Otherwise known as the ASU mascot, Dominic the Ram can be found at a wide variety of ASU activities. It’s good luck to touch your class ring to Dominic’s horns or rub them through his wool.
Roscoe and Bella
While Dominic the Ram is the ASU mascot, Roscoe and Bella are the costumed mascots you’ll find at most every sporting event. You may also spot them handing out freebies at other ASU events or taking selfies with ASU students and visitors.
Gum Tree
The Gum Tree located next to the Porter Henderson Library is a mesquite that holds thousands of pieces of chewed gum. The story behind it is almost as interesting as the tree itself! A man took out his gum and placed it on the tree when he proposed to his girlfriend. She said yes, which he naturally attributed to the good luck gum!
Traditions You’ll Take Part In
Victory Line
At the end of halftime at each home football game, you and your fellow students will form a victory line the football team runs between as they return to the home bench for the third quarter. It’s an adrenaline rush you’ll look forward to each game!
Ram’s Head
This is one of the first things you’ll see in action at ASU. The Ram’s Head is our spirit hand sign, which you can make by holding your middle and ring finger behind your thumb and bending your index and pinky fingers halfway. These create the ram’s horns, and you can’t go wrong flashing them in a picture!
Ram Jam
Tailgating is no joke at ASU. Here, we call it Ram Jam. Students, faculty, friends, and family meet in the parking lot hours before a football game to bond and get pumped for the game. At Ram Jam you can expect live bands, free food, and tons of team spirit.
These traditions bring people together to create unforgettable memories. They’ll give you the kinds of stories you’ll tell your kids when you reminisce about your college days. Do you want to learn more about these traditions and their importance to the ASU family? Register for orientation today!
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