Longwood University has a long history of traditions. Some traditions have changed and others are newly created, but some have been around since the early years of Longwood University. Longwood has a history of being involved in those traditions and celebrating them fully.
Greek Life is one of the oldest traditions at Longwood University. It originated in 1897. The first sorority to be founded was Kappa Delta. In 1898, Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority was founded, as well as Zeta Tau Alpha. Then, in 1901, Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority was founded.
Greek Life has been growing at Longwood ever since. Now, there are three different councils dedicated to Greek Life. They are the Panhellenic Council, the Inter-Fraternity Council and the Longwood National Pan- Hellenic Council. They govern over 20 different Greek organizations.
Since the early years at Longwood, our university has been home to the secret organization of CHI. CHI was founded in the 1900s, which was only 65 years after Longwood was founded.CHI is a service organization whose goal is to try to spread the spirit around the university to get students fired up about Longwood. CHI is not an organization that has working staff, but its symbols can be found all over campus. CHI is about being proud of your university.
At the end of every academic year, there is an event called the CHI burning. It's a ceremony for those who have shown exceptional school spirit. Anyone or any organization can be awarded this recognition with what is known as a CHI commendation.
A tradition that is not quite as old is the organization known as the Princeps. Princeps is an organization that is about promoting leadership. They believe that leadership is one of the steps to developing civility. Most students who are in Princeps show outstanding leadership qualities in their extra-curricular activities. Princeps recognizes excellent academic success by putting a black seven on the doors of students who have made the President’s List. The symbol of Princeps is a black crown with seven points. Each point represents one of the seven different values of Princeps. There are seven crowns that can be found all over campus.
Mortar Board was the first organization that honored senior college women. The Mortar Board tries to keep up with the idea of the ever changing ideas of society. It is more so commonly known as the board that handles all things Oktoberfest, but it has other goals and meanings that they try to show. This organization is about leadership, scholarship and about performing services.
Oktoberfest is also another tradition that has become beloved on campus. It was originally named “Circus,” when it was first created and sponsored by Alpha Kappa Gamma. It then changed its name to “Geist” before deciding on the name Oktoberfest.Spring Weekend is another annual event. It's sponsored by Lancer Productions, which is a student run organization. Popular traditions include activities such as oozeball, chili cook- off and the concert series on Stubbs Lawn.
Rock the Block is another tradition. This tradition is newer as well. Rock the Block is a business fair party. Different businesses will come around the Landings and set up booths. The students can go around and talk to those business representatives. Meanwhile, there is also a party going on at the same time. The G.A.M.E. is an example of one of the newest tradition at Longwood. The G.A.M.E. is normally started by a pep rally where students receive scarves. The scarf looks different every year, and many students hope to collect them all. After the rally, there is a march over to the athletic field before the start of a sporting event. The march is just another way to enhance the school spirit here at Longwood.
The traditions, no matter if they are old or new, are all part of Longwood and what makes Longwood special. The students honor and respect these traditions and love to participate in.
