The Student Association has created a history and traditions council as part of its ongoing effort to foster knowledge of Mississippi State University’s heritage.
The council will work on developing educational and recreational activities for incoming freshmen, strengthening Homecoming through modern and traditional activities, promoting the class ring program and keeping the Bulldog Handbook, which will be a collection of MSU traditions and other activities, said Edward Sanders, president pro tempore of the SA Senate.
New students will receive the handbook when they visit campus this summer, SA director of history and tradition Brittany Martin said. The handbook gives a brief history of MSU and includes trivia such as how MSU got its mascot and colors, she said.
“I think it’s important for students to embrace and appreciate the university’s traditions and history,” Martin said. “Mississippi State is more than what is going on today in 2006. We have a rich past and unique traditions that I think should be followed and preserved,” she said.
The idea for an organized history and traditions council was inspired by a similar group at Texas A&M, which is widely recognized as the most traditions-rich university in America, Sanders said. The council preserves the school’s traditions, and the group educates students about their history and travels around the state speaking to alumni groups, he said.
“Right now, traditions education is at a standstill, and I would encourage all faculty and administrators to support the Freshman Orientation / Mississippi State History course for incoming students,” Sanders said.
Having these traditions and history helps enrollment because it allows people to better understand the institution, its goals and missions and what kind of family they are joining, said Phil Bonfanti, university director of admissions and scholarships.
“I’m really proud that it’s the Student Association that is getting the word out about the history and traditions of MSU. In the past I’ve watched the SA work hard to preserve the history, whether it’s creating statues and parks on campus or activities and orientations,” Bonfanti said. “I think it’s great they’re taking the lead. It’s not the administration, but the students themselves that recognize that this is our history,” he said.
The council will start next fall and will be available to all students who are passionate about State’s traditions, Martin said.