University of Arkansas Freshman Pep Rally Named Best Campus Tradition

The National Association for Campus Activities has named the University of Arkansas Freshman Pep Rally as the 2014 Best Campus Tradition.

The annual tradition brings each year’s freshman class to Reynolds Razorback Stadium, where the freshmen learn all the U of A traditions: the Fight Song, the cheers, and most importantly how to call the Hogs. The pep rally ends with the freshman class walking onto the football field to have their picture taken in the shape of a giant “A.”

“Here at the University of Arkansas, we know we have the best collegiate traditions, but it is amazing to be recognized nationally as having the Best Campus Tradition,” said Trisha Blau, assistant director of programming for student activities.

“It is truly an honor to win this award. Student activities office coordinates the event but it would not be possible without the logistical help of the athletics department, the spirit squads, the Razorback band, and other departments on campus,” said Rachel Deems, student and vice president of University Programs, which is part of student activities. “This is an event we spend the whole summer planning to truly convey what it means to be an Arkansas Razorback to incoming freshmen.”

The university submitted a video of the tradition, created by students in UA Productions, that follows the course of the evening as students file into the stadium and learn all the calls and traditions that they will use during their time at the University of Arkansas. The U of A was in the category of schools with more than 5,000 undergraduate full-time students and competed in the final five against SUNY Oneonta, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Iowa State University, and Arizona State University.

The National Association for Campus Activities was established in 1960 and provides a variety of events, educational institutes, publications and networking opportunities for colleges and universities across the country.  They focus on campus programming, multicultural education, student and professional leadership development, student government and more.

“We are super excited to be able to share our tradition with schools across the nation and see that they love it as much as we do,” Katie Johnson, president of University Programs said.

The University of Arkansas will receive $1000, an article in Campus Activities Programming magazine describing the Freshman Pep Rally tradition, and three representatives from the university will go to the 2015 NACA National Convention to present an educational session on the campus tradition.