Encyclopedia of UNCG History
An online resource for exploring the history of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
traditions
Tree Day
Tree Day began with the Class of 1895, which, on Arbor Day, planted a tree on campus and arranged a special program. The tradition then became to plant the class tree in the freshman year, and in the following years to hold a celebration commemorating the occasion. Classes continued the tree planting tradition until 1910, […]
Rat Day
The tradition of Rat Day at Woman’s College began in the 1930s as part of the initiation process of the four campus literary societies. This annual one-day event typically took place during the month of October or November and was promoted as a fun time of getting to know one another. In reality, it was […]
Clocktower
Standing near the southwest end of the Dining Hall, near the Jackson Library Tower, is UNCG’s University Clocktower. The Clocktower was a gift to the University by members of the Class of 1941 as part of their 50th class reunion. The Class raised approximately $45,000 to support the construction of the Clocktower in 1991. On […]
Minerva Statue
The Minerva Statue, sculpted by Jim Barnhill (MFA 1982), was a gift of the Class of 1953 on their fiftieth anniversary. It is located on campus between Elliott University Center and College Avenue.
Spartan Statue
The Spartan Statue, sculpted by Jodi and Hanna Hollnagel-Jubran, was a gift of Irwin “Ike” Belk. The 1,500 pound bronze statue, measuring 12 feet to the top of his plume and 14 feet to the tip of his spear, was installed in 2009 in a location between the Soccer Stadium and the Softball Stadium.
The Rock
The 12.7 ton rock, also known as “The Rawk,” was donated by Alpha Phi Omega fraternity in 1973. Originally located between the Quad and the Dining Hall, it is currently located between the Library and the Dining Hall and has become the “student graffiti center.”
Daisy Chain
The tradition of the Daisy Chain is not unique to the State Normal and Industrial School (now UNCG), although it was one of the campus’ earliest customs. Other American women’s colleges, such as Vassar, had decorated their halls with daisy chains for their graduation festivities, and State Normal followed suit. The college created its first Daisy […]