University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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The Rowdy Reptiles are known as fierce fans at Gator basketball games. The Gator Chomp is a . longtime tradition of UP and is used to scare off threatening opponents. Photo by Jose Otero Sam Saxon, housedad for Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, proposes in front of some of his brothers. This process, known as lavaliering, is an age old tradition in the Greek system. Photo by Jose Otero CAMPUS TRADITIONS The University of Florida finished celebrating its 150th anniversary this year and through the last century and a half, many traditions have come and gone. The traditions at UF were a big part in my choosing to attend Florida, said freshman Ed Maldonado . In the past, traditions concentradted heavily on in- coming freshman, 0r rats, and their treatment from upper division students. Wether they were forced to wear rat caps or salute seniors, many of the freshman- orientecl traditions were meant to train the incoming students. Homecoming has alWas been a big event on campus. Freshman were woken up in the middle of the night and were forced to carry their weight in wood to the bonfire. Ever attended a football game? Fans should ready themselves for a plethora of Chants, songs and arm movements to cheer on the Gators. The chomp has become symbolic of UP football tradition as well as We are the Boys of Old Florida and It's Great to Be a Florida Gator. It's gauranteed that Mr. Two-Bits will make an appearance at everyone home game, as he has done for over 50 years. But footb all isn't the only sport On campus with a wide , variety of traditions. Any event in the O'Connell Center is plagued with the Rowdy Reptiles and their undaunting school spirit and loud behavior. Reading the Alligator has been a campus tradition since 1906. As the largest, student-run, college newspa- per in the nation, the Alligator has a national reputation that it strives to maintain. From painting the 34th Street wall to decorating caps at graduation, Gainesville and UP are ripe with tradi- tions old and new. -Adrienne Alexandria Sorority Bid Day is, perhaps, a dream come true for many college girls. It is the day that campus sororities issue their welcome to the new pledge class every year. Photo by Jose Otero CAMPUS TRADITIONS 23

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Frshman Jennifer Dunham reads the daily edition of the Independent Florida Alligator. Photo by lose Otero The 34th Street Wall stands as a memorial for many and a place to celebrate goings on. For years, students have been painting the wall to honor friends, family and new recruits. Photo by Iose Die 0 Student Governemnt hopefuls lead potential voters to the poles during the annual fall elections. Photo by lose Otero CAMPUS TRADITIONS

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Ynu can't help but feel a great sense of pride w hi 1e ta i lga ting, before the footba ll ga mes. Sometimes, Albert and Alberta will stop by just to make sure you're feeling, the. Gator Pride. Plltilfns bf; I086 L.?l'cm Delta Upsilon alumni stop by the house to remember the good old days as Gators. Photo by lose Otero Greek organizations often hold events that involve tailgating before the footballs games. Often, alumni stop by to Visit as well. Photo by I036 Otero Campers, RVs and tents litter campus on gamedays. No matter where you go, even near the O'Connell Center, you can find people having a good time. Photo by Jose Otero 24 TAILGATING Sophomore Noelle Casagrande celebreates the ESPN Game day with her parents before kick-off. Tailgating on campus allows students and parents great bonding time. Photo by lose Otero