CSU Traditions and Campus Life
Campus Life
CSU Traditions
Check out this list of CSU Traditions that you should definitely not miss!
The “A”
The letter “A” adorns the western hillside of Fort Collins. Colorado State University was formally called Colorado A & M, and students were referred to as “Aggies.” The “A” was first white-washed in 1924. It became a tradition for freshmen to paint the letter every year. The Tradition continues today.
CAM the Ram
CAM the Ram is the official mascot of Colorado State University, named after the Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical College (the university’s former name). Alumnus William Simpson’46 won a contest to name the bighorn sheep as the official mascot. CAM is a Rambouillet Ram and has his own troop of Ram Handlers to help him out. CAM makes regular visits to University events and local schools.
New Student Convocation and Green Out at Ram Welcome
Each Fall, all new students gather in Moby Arena wearing their forest green “Forever Green T-Shirts” . Hear a welcome from the President, and for the first time as one community, sing the CSU fight song together.
Forever Green T-Shirts
The For-Ever-Green tradition, established in 2003 by ASCSU, is a campus-wide collaboration outfitting students and alumni in green CSU t-shirts in an effort to unite RAM Fans at University and sports events. As a cherished symbol of school spirit, the back of the shirt will display the Fight Song, while a unique design will be commissioned for the front each year.
Ram Ruckus
Ram Ruckus is the official student spirit group of the CSU Rams. Ram Ruckus was created by students in 2012 who wanted all students to engage in athletics and expand into every other aspect of student life. The idea of Ram Ruckus was to create pride in everything you do at CSU, whether it’s walking though the plaza, taking an exam, or cheering as loud as you can, you’re a Ram Ruckus member. Click Here to Learn More and Become a Member!
CSU Oval
The Oval serves as the heart of Colorado State University. It was designed in 1909 as an aesthetically pleasing way to connect main campus buildings. Surrounding the Oval are historic buildings including Johnson Hall, which was the original student center, and the Music Building which was built as a library. Laurel Hall, now home to the Office of International Programs, used to be a horse barn! Old Main was the cornerstone of the oval until it was burned to the ground during a demonstration in 1970.
I Love CSU Day!
Each April 18th, the students of CSU celebrate their University with a “green out.” Green t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and shoes pervade on campus. Games and events are held on the Lory Student Center Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The governor of Colorado signs a proclamation declaring April 18th I love CSU day across the state of Colorado! Alumni are also encouraged to show their Ram pride and wear green and gold to work.
The CSU Fight Song
Fight on you stalwart RAM Team
On to the goal
Tear the (opponent) line asunder
As down the field we thunder.
Knights of the Green and Gold,
Fight with all your might.
Fight on you stalwart RAM team!
FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!
The Colorado State University Alma Mater
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater;
Colorado State.
Memories are everlasting
of this place so great.
May thy Green and Gold unite us,
loyal ever be.
Colorado State, our Alma Mater,
Hail, all hail, to thee.