Alumni
Association |
Convocation
|
Maine Hello
UMaine's Mascot
|
Maine Day |
Maine Campus |
School Songs
UMaine Crest |
School Colors |
Homecoming |
Greek Life
All Maine Women |
Senior Skulls | Sophomore Owls
Sophomore Eagles | Bear's Den
Welcome to the University of Maine! The
following is an introduction to just a few of the many time-honored
traditions that make UMaine a unique, community-centered campus. We hope you
too will honor these traditions and keep the Black Bear spirit alive - just
as students and alumni have done for more than 140 years!
The University of Maine
Alumni Association
The UMaine Alumni Association
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 University of Maine Alumni Association was chartered
in 1875 as an independent organization dedicated to serving the University
and its graduates. Today, with its offices located in the beautiful Buchanan
Alumni House, (opened in 2002) the Association's mission remains the same as
it did at the beginning - providing programs and services to alumni (now
totaling nearly 95,000!) as well as UMaine's student population.
Alumni contributions have provided essential funding for
key campus facilities including: the Memorial Union; Hauck Auditorium;
Fogler Library; Mahaney Diamond, Clubhouse and Dome; Maine Center for the
Arts; Buchanan Alumni House; Class of '44 Hall; the Class of '44 Bear's Den;
as well as Boardman, Jenness and Murray Halls.
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Convocation
It is a custom at the University of Maine to ask on outstanding
alumna/alumnus to come back to campus to deliver an important message to all
new students. This event, marking the beginning of your college life, is
held at the beginning of the academic year and focuses on the richness of
academic life. Attendance by all new students is expected.
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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.
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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… come read all about it!
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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.
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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!
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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 songs 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.
To listen to the Stein Song click here
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.
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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.
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School Colors
From the very beginning our colors have been blue and white. Wear them often
and with pride!
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Homecoming and Homecoming Royalty
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 -
students and alumni. So mark your calendars, put on your best UMaine gear
and show your Black Bear spirit!
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Greek
Life
Greek Life has existed at the University of Maine since 1874 with the
formation of the QTV Society. The presence of Greeks still exists strongly
today with about 730 students participating in one of the 15 men's
fraternities or 6 women's sororities. Approximately 9% of University of
Maine undergraduates are members of Greek letter organizations.
Greeks on campus have been very well known
throughout their history at the University for providing many things such as
community service and scholastic achievement, to name a few. This tradition
still stands today with all the organizations putting in thousands upon
thousands of hours each year around UMaine and the surrounding communities.
In addition, many Greeks have GPA's averaging higher than those of the
general campus. To learn more about becoming involved with Greek Life at
UMaine, visit
www.umaine.edu/greek.
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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.
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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.
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Sophomore Owls Society
The Sophomore Owls Society is an
honors organization dedicated to community service at UMaine and in
surrounding communities. The Senior Skulls started the Sophomore Owls in
1911 and then, as now, the Owl's mission is to aid First Year men in the
adaptation process to the University of Maine and to promote and exemplify
excellent citizenship and University spirit on campus.
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Sophomore Eagles Honor Society
The first eleven Sophomore Eagles
were chosen in December 1926 on the basis of character, scholarship,
leadership, friendliness, and participation in college activities. The
"Sophomore Eagles" name was created to be a counterpart to the Owls and
chose a blue star as their symbol. Just as with the Skulls, AMW and Owls,
the Eagle's role has changed with the times and today partners with these
groups on a variety of activities.
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Class of 1944 Bear's Den
The heart of student life at UMaine has, for more than 50 years, been the
Memorial Union. Dedicated June 13, 1953, the Memorial Union is a tribute to
the University of Maine men and women who served in World War II and a
memorial to the 181 men who gave their lives in the war. From the start, one
of the most popular spots has been the Bear's Den, a spot where students
could meet to discuss the topics of the day. Ask any alumni from 1954 on and
they will undoubtedly tell you some of their most fond memories are of time
spent in the Bear's Den! In 2004 – in honor of their 60th Reunion – the
Class of 1944 raised over $200,000 to renovate the Bear's Den into that of a
classic English Pub, ensuring its place as a favorite gathering spot for
UMaine students for many generations to come.
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