Southeastern boasts a history of great traditions that embody our Lion pride.
From Friendship Oak to the McClimans Hall clock … from Gumbo YaYa to Roomie … traditions link us to the past and to the future. They establish a sense of community that last beyond the four years of the college experience. They show that it’s a great time for everyone, young and old, to be a Lion.
Alma Mater
We Hail Thee, Now Southeastern, For Thee We’ll Always Stand; Thy Eager Sons and Daughters Form One United Band. We’ll Sing Thy Praises Ever From Sea To Shining Sea, And Love Thee, Alma Mater, Thru All Eternity.
Friendship Oak has been a gathering place for students since Southeastern’s earliest days. Its branches once sheltered the “Pop House,” selling nickel hamburgers and cold drinks. Legend says that couples who kiss under the Oak will one day wed!
Roomie
Southeastern first chose the lion as its mascot in 1931. The mascot was nameless until the university acquired a live lion in the early 1960s and needed to call him something. Suggested monikers were narrowed down to “Lobo” and “Grego” — a play on the school’s colors. In a 1963 election “Lobo” won, creating a rather awkward situation: Southeastern now had a lion whose name was Spanish for “wolf.”
In 1964 the name was changed to honor the late Hollis “Roomie” Wilson, a beloved biology professor and fervent Lions fan. Many students have portrayed Roomie in a variety of costumes over the years, but by tradition, nobody knows who is inside the Lion suit. Roomie’s portrayer is a secret!
The Southeastern Ring
The official Southeastern ring is a classic keepsake to honor your time at Southeastern. It is a symbolic link to your university experiences, classmates and fellow alumni. Each ring symbolizes your academic accomplishments while capturing the uniqueness of Southeastern. Whether a conversation starter or fashion statement, you will always have your Lion Pride close at hand.
Homecoming Week
The Homecoming bonfire and spirited Homecoming parade are among the many popular events during Southeastern’s weeklong Homecoming celebration. Students on the “Dream Team” choose the annual Homecoming theme and sponsor fun events such as Gumbo Ya Ya, Lip Sync contest at Cook Field and the Roar Rally Spirit Competition. The spirited week also features the announcement of the Alumnus of the Year at the Alumni Association’s annual Awards Evening and the crowning at halftime of the Homecoming Queen and Beau.
Southeastern Clock
The historic clock that was once a landmark of downtown Hammond now keeps time for Southeastern students. Estimated to have been built between 1915 and 1920, the clock was donated to the university by AmSouth Bank. Totally refurbished and trimmed with stained glass panels featuring Southeastern’s logo, the copper timepiece adorns McClimans Hall in Friendship Circle.
Gumbo Ya Ya and Strawberry Jubilee
Gumbo Ya-Ya in the fall and Strawberry Jubilee in the spring salute our state’s spicy culture by serving up tons of jambalaya, gumbo, redbeans and rice, juicy berries — and the biggest strawberry cake you’ve ever seen. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, the fun mid-day events feature cool games, hot bands, and campus-wide camaraderie.
Strawberry Stadium
Strawberry Stadium was constructed in 1937 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s WPA program under project #3014 — in just 16 weeks! It provided the young campus with more than just a place to play football, since it also housed a cafeteria, post office, student union, athletic offices and training facilities, and dormitory rooms. It replaced a field and bleachers located near Mims and Southeastern Halls.
According to reports, the very first game at the original field drew 5,000 fans. The venerable stadium has been renovated several times and now seats 7,408 fans. Upgrades have included a revamped visitor’s locker room, a new state-of-the-art press box and club seats and suites.
Lion Walk
When football returned in 2002, the team began a new tradition. Two hours before kickoff, players and coaches, joined by the Spirit of the Southland marching band, make their way to Strawberry Stadium, passing through Friendship Circle to greet tailgating fans.
The Victory Bell
The original bell disappeared during Southeastern’s 18-year football hiatus, but thanks to the generosity of Hancock Bank which donated a new bell, Southeastern once again heralds touchdowns and field goals with a spirited peal. Now housed in Friendship Circle for everyone to view, it is escorted pregame during Storm 30 by the ROTC, is rung every time the Lions score!
President’s Awards
Since 1983, Southeastern has recognized outstanding faculty with a prestigious honor – the President’s Awards for Excellence in the areas of research, teaching and artistic ability. Awards for faculty and staff service were added in 1996. Students have a special honor, too. Students with the highest grade point average in each academic college receive the President’s Award for Academic Excellence during graduation ceremonies.
Fanfare and the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts
Fanfare, our annual festival of the arts, humanities and social sciences, dominates the month of October and is the “opening act” for the year-long presentations at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, Southeastern’s historic renovated downtown performing arts center. The Fanfare-Columbia season showcases a cultural feast of dance, exhibits, films, jazz, lectures, music and theater spotlighting big name guest artists and our own talented faculty and students.
Miss Southeastern
Southeastern has been crowning a “Miss Southeastern” since 1949, and the annual pageant has been a Miss America preliminary since 1962. Past winners frequently gather for Homecoming reunions. Two Southeastern students have reigned as Miss Louisiana, Phyllis Kelly, Miss Southeastern 1978, and Blair Abene, Miss Southeastern 2006.
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