HR - UMaine Traditions

Office of Human Resources

How did it all start?
In 1865 the Maine State Legislature passed the bill calling for the establishment of a state land-grant college. In September of 1868, four students attended the first classes of what was then called Maine State College. From those original four students, Maine State College grew into what we now know as The University of Maine, the flagship campus of the seven-member University of Maine System.

The Maine Hello
The "Maine Hello" originated as part of freshman orientation in the days of President Arthur Hauck. From the first day of school through Family & Friends Weekend, first year students were identified by the beanies they wore. Whenever a first year student passed by a member of the Senior Skulls, All Maine Women, or a member of the University administration, they were expected to give them a warm and friendly, "Hello!" As a good natured "punishment" for failing to offer this greeting, a first year student would be required to carry the upperclassman's books to class - a practice which would often make them late to their own classes! This tradition was developed as a way to encourage friendliness on campus. While today's students are no longer compelled to offer the "Maine Hello", the warmth and friendliness of this tradition continues to this day. In fact it is not at all uncommon to hear alumni and others offer one another a "Hearty Maine Hello" whenever they are gathered for events, tailgates or other campus activities.

The Legend of Bananas the Bear – UMaine’s mascot
The first University of Maine mascot was not a black bear… from 1903-1914 the mascot was an elephant – "borrowed" from a Bangor clothing store and brought to campus. In 1914 an Old Town animal collector loaned the MAINE football team a black bear cub found in the Maine woods, in hopes that he would bring the team good luck. Legend has it the cub's antics made the crowd "go bananas" – and the name Bananas has stuck to this very day. Several live bears have filled the role of Bananas – including the last live bear, "Cindy Bananas" in 1966. Since then the brothers of Alpha Phi Omega have continued the tradition of Black Bear spirit on the University of Maine campus by creating the Bananas that we know and love. A full history of Bananas the Bear can be found at the Alumni Center.

Maine Day
In 1935 President Arthur Hauck inaugurated MAINE Day, and day set aside for "spring cleanup" of campus. Many classes are suspended for the day and all of the campus community - students, faculty, staff and alumni - pitch in to spruce up campus. The day kicks off with a wake-up parade led by the President, followed by work projects throughout the morning. A giant barbecue is then held in the Steam Plant parking lot at lunchtime for all volunteers. In the afternoon student teams compete in oozeball. (Volleyball in the mud!) Proceeds from the oozeball tournament fulfill the wishes of children with life threatening illnesses, sponsored by Operation Liftoff of Maine.

The Maine Campus
The Maine Campus is the University's student newspaper, and has been since the first edition rolled off the presses in 1899. In the past it was published weekly, then daily, and in recent years has been published 3 times per week. It is entirely student run and contains everything from classified ads to editorials to news features. The Maine Campus also includes a weekly events calendar, so grab a copy and stay up-to-date on everything that's happening at UMaine!

The Stein Song and Maine Fight Song
The Maine Stein Song is intended as a celebration of the collegiate experience - a toasting of MAINE as an institution of higher learning, and the growth that takes place within that experience. It's not so much a drinking song but rather a toast in honor of the University of Maine. It was written in 1910 by Lincoln Colcord and made popular by Rudy Vallee, class of 1925. It became a number one hit of the day and has been sung throughout the world. The Stein Song is played at a variety of events on campus, including sporting contests - especially when the Black Bears score! All loyal UMaine students and alumni stand and sing along whenever the Stein Song is played.

The "Maine Fight Song" - or "For Maine", as it is also known - was written by Charles Bartlett, class of 1914. Although it is traditionally sung at football games, you will often hear it at other sporting events as well. "For Maine" is also known as the "Marching to Victory" song.

The UMaine Crest

The University Crest embodies the history of the University of Maine and its position as the flagship campus of the University of Maine System. Founded in 1865, UMaine's traditional values are represented by the crest's shape. The three flags inside the crest represent the institution's flagship status and symbolize its mission of teaching, research and public service. Maine's natural resources, and the University's position as a land-grant university and sea-grant college, are depicted in the colors of pale blue and navy blue that stand for the sea and sky.

School Colors
From the very beginning, our colors have been blue and white. Wear them often and with pride!

Homecoming
Homecoming Weekend is a traditional campus-wide "welcome home" for all University of Maine graduates. Students serve as campus ambassadors to meet and greet alumni. Fraternities, sororities, colleges, departments, student groups and many classes hold special Reunions.
Highlights of the weekend include the traditional football game, tailgating, a giant craft fair in the Fieldhouse, and the election and coronation of Homecoming Royalty. One man and one woman, chosen by the student body for exemplifying outstanding campus leadership and school spirit, are chosen King and Queen and crowned before a crowd of thousands in Alfond Stadium.
Homecoming Weekend is a weekend for EVERYONE. So mark your calendars, put on your best UMaine gear and show your Black Bear spirit!

All Maine Women Honor Society
University of Maine President Clarence Little and Carolyn Colvin, Dean of Women, founded the All Maine Women Honor Society in 1925. Members of the society are distinguished leaders, scholars, and outstanding female role models, are active in community service, display MAINE spirit, and have the potential for continued service to UMaine. All Maine Women is the highest all-inclusive honor society to which a University of Maine woman can belong and AMW are pledged to uphold and promote the ideals, standards and traditions of the University. Members can be distinguished by their special pins, sweaters and small pine trees worn on their right cheeks one day each week. Members are considered the consummate role models for UMaine women.

Senior Skull Honor Society
The Senior Skull Society was founded on December 14, 1906. The Skulls have been an integral part of the University ever since, although the purposes and duties of the Skulls have changed to fit the times. The Senior Skulls continued uninterrupted until the end of World War II, when it ceased to exist for 3 years. It was revived in the fall of 1947 and to this day, remains the highest all-inclusive honor society at the University of Maine. The Senior Skulls continue to serve our University in many aspects, ranging from freshmen orientation, various Homecoming activities - including the selection of Homecoming Royalty - and various other duties as assigned by the Office of the President and the Alumni Association. Membership in the society is considered the highest honor for any man at UMaine.