Cady Stribling
Features Editor
Traditions are what make Murray State unique, giving the community that sense of Racer Pride and memories that last a lifetime. Many traditions have only been around for a few years while others have been active for many decades.
Great Beginnings, a tradition designed solely for helping new students, has been ongoing for 26 years. Kate Johnson, coordinator for student engagement and success, describes it as an opportunity to become acquainted with campus, the community and other services provided by Murray State.
“When new students get to campus we want the transition to Murray State to be as easy and smooth as possible so that is why we offer programming and support starting with move-in day,” Johnson said.
After training on how to provide this support as best as possible, Great Beginnings Leaders help students move into residential colleges, find their classes and serve as mentors to create a welcoming environment.
More exciting events include Explore Murray, where businesses around the community showcase all they have to offer with giveaways, and hypnotist Tom Deluca who performs for the student body.
“We want our new students to feel part of the Racer tradition right when they arrive on campus,” Johnson said. “There is always someone there willing to help!”
First year students also have the opportunity to rush the football field in what is known as the Gold Rush before the first home football game. The beloved water balloon fight is another recent campus tradition that takes place at the beginning of the school year. Thousands of students throw thousands of water balloons at one another on the football field for a fun night.
The Shoe Tree started as a tradition in the 1960s and is one of Murray State’s most recognizable marks. You can find pairs of shoes of “sole” mates, and even a few children’s shoes, hung on the tree of love.
Murray community members love showing their football spirit with another long-standing tradition of cheering on Racer One. Since 1976, each touchdown at Roy Stewart Stadium has been celebrated with a loud “Clear the track!” and a victory lap by Racer One.
Aside from our football-centered traditions, Murray State loves to celebrate with spectacular shows. Since 1938, Campus Lights is nationally recognized as one of the longest running student-produced musicals in the south. Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the men’s music fraternity, started the tradition and Racers have enjoyed it ever since.
All Campus Sing, a fan favorite since 1958, has incorporated the community, faculty and staff, students and family for a fun day in the Quad. The entire town shows up to support different student organizations from Greek to residential colleges as they showcase their prepared song and dance at this much anticipated performance.
Each year, alumni and current students come together with the rest of the community to celebrate Homecoming Weekend, one of the biggest Murray State traditions. Director of Alumni Relations Carrie McGinnis estimates that 9,000 people come to town for the Homecoming events.
“Thousands of Racer alumni and friends from all over the country and all over the world so fondly remember their Murray State experience and the way it made them feel,” McGinnis said. “It is not just an institution or where they went to college. It is home.”
During the week leading up to the football game, Murray State hosts long-lived traditions such as A Taste of the Arts dinner and auction, banquets and reunions. Racer Band kicks off the Homecoming Parade with the newly elected Homecoming king and queen, and Greek life displays dozens of decorative floats.
Tailgating at Tent City, a tradition started in the ‘80s, takes place prior to the football game. The much anticipated event consists of all student organizations and clubs setting up tents around the football field while alumni and the community visit with one another. School pride is strong as people grill out and get ready for the game.
McGinnis said Homecoming Weekend and everyone coming together at the game is a great time for students to network with alumni and make incredible connections who might provide opportunities for them after graduation.
“To see the past, present and future all connected by a common bond and shared experience, that is what makes Murray State Homecoming special,” McGinnis said.
From Homecoming to the superstitions of rubbing Rainey T. Well’s diploma for good luck to midnight breakfast before finals week, Murray State has the best traditions.
