Santa Clara University

 Santa Clara University was founded in 1851 as Santa Clara College, making it the oldest University in California still in existence. It became University of Santa Clara in 1912 with the opening of the Law school. The name later changed again to Santa Clara University in 1985.

SCU's colors are "Santa Clara Red and White"
The San Francisco 49ers have the same colors as Santa Clara because the original owners, the Morabito Brothers, were Santa Clara University alums.

• When SCU was still an all male university, there was quite a bit of freshmen hazing. Freshmen boys had to wear red and white beanies during their first semester.
•  ‘Mud around the Pole’ for this event freshman were forced to try and climb a greased pole while upper-classmen beat them down with sticks.
• Because the school was all-male, there were mixers held multiple times a year in the old Seifert Gym.
• There used to be dances called ‘Screw Your Roommate’ a.k.a. SYR dances where your roommate picked your date for you.
• “Powder-puff football” – The most popular girls intramural sport. The tradition started in the late 60’s. Rugby and football players helped coach and championship game was held “under the lights” in Buck Shaw stadium.

• Eastside Project
• SCCAP
• Immersion Trips

• Dads and Grads: Commencement has always been early so graduates take their dads to the Hut (now all the surrounding bars participate) at 6am on the morning of graduation to have beers and bloody marys before heading Buck Shaw for the Commencement Ceremony. This has been a tradition since the 70’s.
• Grad Picnic is hosted by the Alumni Office immediately following the Graduation Ceremony.
• The Nobili and St. Clare awards are given to one male and one female graduate for outstanding citizenship and achievement.
• Post-graduation, recent grads come back to the Hut and pin to the ceiling their business card and 1st dollar made from their first job out of college.

• Mr. RLC competition (Like Miss America)
• East Campus vs. West Campus capture the flag game
• Off-campus houses are named (Blue house, Stucco house, Caddy Shack, 3 Palms, Cloud 9, Bellomy ghettos, etc.)
• Midnight Breakfast, hosted by the RLCA
• Concerts and Comedy Shows in the Leavey Event Center.

• The St. Mary’s v. SCU rivalry is the oldest standing in SCU History. It dates back to the late 1800’s . The rivalry was originally a football rivalry with the “Little Big Game” and the Liberty Bell being passed back and froth to that year’s winner.  Today is a basketball rivalry.
• Gonzaga is another more recently established rivalry. Basketball games against those teams are always the most highly attended and students wait in long-lines to get their tickets.
• Mascot – Bucky the Bronco. (used to be Benny the Bronco, which originated from a cartoon in the local newspapers, until the mid-1980’s)
• Ruff Riders: The student-run booster club for Santa Clara Sports.
  

 Fight for Santa Clara

All hail to S.C.U.
Honor her prestige and fame,
Oh! hold high those standards
As we go into the game.

Chorus

Varsity fight for Santa Clara
Banners of red and white on high
No matter how great your foe men [team],
Let your motto be "to do or die."
Rah! Rah! Varsity men [team],
We are cheering for you,
Our gallant heroes, sturdy, staunch and true
Remember the right and might of Red and White
When Santa Clara warriors fight,
For Victory, and our dear old S.C.U.

Then U. fight! fight! for the Alma Mater we love,
oh fight! fight! and strength shall come from above,
We now acclaim your fame,
Rah! Rah! Rah!

Come join our happy throng,
Oh make the welkin resound,
Help build to tradition,
That S.C.U. men [team] ne'er give ground.

(Repeat Chorus)

While Hamilton stands guard,
Over thy rich, fertile vale,
Belov'd Alma Mater,
Teach no word akin to fail.

(Repeat Chorus)