Rock your Blue and Gold!
WOW!
It has only been a few weeks since this semester started but it feels like a lot longer. I think it could have something to do with my summer internship with the university and the fact that I can’t remember going more than a week without spending time in U-Hall. The only difference between my summer and fall on campus is the amount of students I see each day. I got used to being just another university employed individual sporting my dress shirt and tie. As soon as fall semester started up again, I began to almost feel a bit out of place walking around campus or sitting in class wearing my work clothes. It was just as this realization hit that I started to notice what the students were really wearing and let me tell you, I didn’t like it.
The thing that puzzled me the most about what my fellow students were wearing, other than the mass obsession with sweatpants (I won’t even touch that subject), is the amount of college gear being worn from other schools. Yes, I do understand we are close to Michigan and there are many Ohio State fans at UT but I swear, sometimes I feel like I see more t-shirts from other colleges being worn here than UT gear.
If at this point you feel slightly guilty for neglecting that “See you at the Game” or “Rocket Fanatic” shirt, but don’t fret, I have a way for you to clear your conscience:
Every UT student, faculty member, alumni, and Toledoan is encouraged to participate in a new tradition: Rocket Fridays.
Each and every Friday during the school year (not just game days), members of the UT family will be encouraged to show their school pride by “rocking” blue and gold! This new tradition extends past the classroom or office – if you run out to the store to pick up (insert school-appropriate item), throw on that UT sweatshirt and help spread the influence!
If you don’t have any UT gear for some reason, I have good news for you:
This Friday, Sept. 4 at 2:30 p.m. on the Student Union Steps, President Jacobs will deliver a presidential proclamation officially declaring each Friday a “Rocket Friday.”
In addition, men’s basketball coach Gene Cross will also speak and the Rocket Marching Band and UT cheerleaders will rally the crowd. Best of all, if you attend this joyous celebration of UT pride, you will receive a FREE ROCKET FRIDAYS T-shirt.
So, come help me usher in this new tradition each and every Friday and don’t forget to rock your blue and gold!
September 2nd, 2009at 4:35 pm
Maybe instead of focusing on a lack of pride we should focus on giving the students more to be proud about (like increasing the quality of instruction), rather than focusing on everybody doning pride gear. People might be more proud of UT if they didn’t have to park in the grass at Rocket Hall, or if they had enough seats in their classes (I have a class where students have to stand in the back because we didn’t budget enough seats for everyone), or maybe if we had a football/athletic team that was good enough to justifty their full-ride scholarships. Then again, these blogs are more or less a marketing strategy to make UT seem more with the times (You’d think a bunch of blogs written by “students” would provide a more critical voice to help determine what we can do to make these university even better).
September 3rd, 2009at 12:19 pm
Jeff,
I agree with you 1000%. I can’t seem to get it through my students’ heads that they are not students at OSU or UM. I sometimes feel I’ve walked into a classroom in Columbus with all the red shirts and hats I see. I don’t understand why anyone wants to support an institution that they don’t attend. Like it or not every time you buy a shirt supporting another institution, they get a few more dollars in their pocket and a bit more visibility. Why support OSU since they get more than their fare share of OBOR dollars (almost 3 times as much per student than any other state school)? It’s a slap in the face to all those players out there in your classes to be wearing opposing school apparel. Have some pride in the place where the faculty is attempting to provide you an education. Shun the Buckeye clothing. Wear something blue & gold!!
September 3rd, 2009at 12:23 pm
I would love to attend this rally tomorrow afternoon (and add yet another piece of UT gear to my collection), but I won’t be able to make it b/c I’ll be en route to West Lafayette, IN. Going to cheer on the Rocket football team in their game against Purdue on Saturday. GO ROCKETS!!
September 3rd, 2009at 4:08 pm
You have a great concept Donald, but I feel that posting your ideas in this manner won’t allow it to be heard by the people who need to hear this, and therefore, would not effectively implement the changes you seek. Perhaps you should take these concerns up with the provost or even the president of the University. I think that would be a better place to start. Great blog Jeff!
September 3rd, 2009at 5:20 pm
Romags,
I think it will also be important for students to wear their gear in preparation for the football games coming up. We will need to encourage all organizations to be present and fill out the UT games. Especially since the upcoming game will be on ESPN!
September 24th, 2009at 1:58 am
I think it will also be important for students to wear their gear in preparation for the football games coming up. We will need to encourage all organizations to be present and fill out the UT games. Especially since the upcoming game will be on ESPN!