Today's Traditions
Open House
The biggest annual event staged at K-State is the All-University Open House, held each spring. This event traces its origin to several smaller, well-organized college events. Some of these former events, like Home Economics Hospitality Day, Engineers' Open House and Ag Day, were going strong for nearly a half century before all the colleges began coordinating Open House together in 1969. Former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole spoke at the inaugural All-University Open House.
"Wabash Cannonball"
The "Wabash Cannonball" has played a vital part in K-State spirit, dating back to December 1968 when Nichols Gym burned. The fire destroyed most of the band's instruments and sheet music. With a basketball game coming up three days later, the band scrambled to find instruments and sheet music. Band director Phil Hewett had sheet music at his home, which included the "Wabash Cannonball." This song has been an inspiring song for K-Staters, which is characterized by the dancing and rocking done by the crowd during the song.
Student Ambassadors
Each year two students are selected at Homecoming to serve as Student Ambassadors. The Student Ambassador program is sponsored by the K-State Alumni Association and began in 1977. The ambassadors represent the student body at Alumni Association events throughout the state and at university activities.
Willie the Wildcat
The Willie tradition began in 1947, and since then, his image and role have undergone several changes. Adrea Simmons Andersen '55 played K-State's first mascot at the September 1947 football game against Oklahoma A&M. She dressed in a red-brown wildcat costume with black stripes and a tail. READ MORE
Wildcat Logos
The Powercat logo graces everything K-Staters love, from purple apparel and car license plates, to helmets worn by football players. Yet this iconic wildcat image traces its roots back more than 100 years ago. READ MORE
Ice Cream
K-State's on-campus Dairy Processing Plant produces more than 40 flavors of ice cream, including the legendary "Purple Pride." Available for many years at Call Hall, the dairy bar will be moving to the university's new Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation.
Homecoming
Homecoming is one of K-State's greatest traditions. Throughout Homecoming week, students compete in various events to generate K-State spirit. Homecoming traditions used to include a Homecoming queen, yard art, house decorations and body building. In recent years, activities have included designing spirit banners, performing group chants in Bramlage Coliseum, a Paint the 'Ville contest, building floats for the Friday afternoon parade and a pep rally.
Class Rings
The official K-State ring tradition began in fall of 2001. The class ring is a symbol of what students have accomplished and will achieve in the future. The ring tells the story of K-State and connects students and alumni.
Nicknames
K-Staters were once referred to as the Aggies. In 1915, Coach Chief Bender coined the nickname "Wildcats" for the football team because of the squad's fighting spirit.