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Colgate is rich in tradition, everything from the gray Colgate t-shirt to ice cream socials to the magnificent Torchlight Ceremony. Here are some of Colgate''s finest traditions (some that you may know about it and some that you may not). Each helps maintain "the spirit that is Colgate".
Thirteen: The Baptist Education Society of the State of New York and Colgate University were founded by thirteen men. Each offered $13.00 and thirteen prayers, and the Society''s Constitution contained thirteen articles. No triskaidekaphobia here!
The Diploma, Seal, and Motto: In 1846, Professors A. C. Kendrick and J. F. Richardson prepared the Latin formula for the diplomas that has remained the same to today. They, along with Professor John Howard Raymond and three trustees, devised the seal and motto, "Deo Ac Veritati" ("With reference to God and for the purpose of truth" or simply "For God and for truth").
Salmagundi: The first volume of the Salmagundi was published by the Junior Class in 1883. The word means "miscellany" or "medley," and originally the book contained lists of faculty, fraternities, other campus organizations and their respective members. Salmagundi became the yearbook for the graduating class in 1934.
Torchlight: The first senior Torchlight ceremony was held at Taylor Lake in 1930.
Hello Tradition: For decades, Colgate has had a wonderful "hello" tradition. Students, faculty, and staff walking on campus routinely say hello to a passerby. It's a way of getting to know others and welcoming strangers to campus. Student handbooks from the early 1900s provided instructions for new students: "Do not fail to say ''Hello'' to everyone. Freshmen always speak first."
First Kiss: Legend has it that your first Colgate kiss will take place on Willow Path.
Swans: Adam and Eve are the eighth generation of swans to grace Taylor Lake.
5-minute rule: "It used to be custom that, if a professor did not reach his class-room within five minutes after the ringing of the bell, the class was entitled to take a ''run''". - William H. Crawshaw, Class of 1887, from his book, My Colgate Years, 1937.
Hoodoo
Class Customs
Mercury