Love, Honor, and Traditions: The Traditions To Know At Miami
September 2, 2024 | Natalie Janssen
“To think that in such a place. I led such a life.”
– Dr. Phillip Shriver, Miami University President from 1965 to 1981
Families often have traditions passed down through generations. Miami is one of those families, with traditions dating back to the early 1800s when Miami University was founded.
Learning Miami’s traditions ensures every student feels like they are part of the Miami University family and a larger community.
This article dives into the traditions that Miami University holds dear to ensure every student feels at home when they step onto campus.
Don’t Step on the Seal
The first and most important tradition is to avoid the seal.
This tradition is the most popular and most accepted by students. In the center of the campus, near Upham Hall, is a seal displaying Miami University’s history and values. It is believed that if a student steps on the seal they will fail their next exam.
However, if you happen to step on the seal, the very next tradition will help break the bad luck curse.
Rub the Turtles
Located at the top of the sorority quad, under the sundial, is a ring of turtles.
These turtles are not just for decoration. They provide students with good luck. It is believed that if a student rubs the heads of the turtles they will receive good luck, maybe even a good grade on their next exam.
From Upham Arch, With Love
Just east of the seal rests Upham Hall. The tradition at Upham Hall revolves around the feeling of love.
It is believed that if one kisses their significant other or “true love” under the Upham Arch, their love will never falter, much like the love Miami has for its students. This tradition is widely popular among students at Miami and the hot spot for many graduation and engagement pictures.
Miami Mergers
Students who meet at Miami and get married are deemed Miami Mergers.
This tradition is popular, especially among those who found their forever love at Miami. The bookstore offers merchandise dedicated to Miami Mergers.
Another fun fact about Miami Mergers? Miami University sends Miami Mergers a Valentine’s Day card every year. Who knows, maybe you will be part of this tradition?
Cradle of Coaches
Another tradition that continues at Miami University is the “Cradle of Coaches.”
This term was given to Miami because the university was the starting point of many coaches who went on to coach championship teams.
Statues at Yager Stadium are dedicated to Earl Blaik, Paul Brown, Carm Cozza, Paul Dietzel, Weeb Ewbank, John Harbaugh, Ara Parseghian, John Pont, Bo Schembechler, Thomas Van Voorhis, and Sean McVay.
However, there have been hundreds of Miamians who have gone on to successful careers in athletic coaching.
Battle of the Bricks
Miami and Ohio University have been rivals in athletics and academics for many years. They are the two oldest universities in Ohio. The term “Battle of the Bricks” comes from the the red bricks that are an instrumental part of the architecture at both universities.
Greek Life
Every spring semester, the Oxford campus comes alive with the whispers of Greek life.
For almost 200 years, Miami students have participated in the tradition of Greek life. The first fraternity established in Miami was Alpha Delta Phi in 1833. Miami has been known as the “Mother of Fraternities” and has over 50 chapters of both sororities and fraternities.
Many students participate in Greek life at Miami to build a community, find forever friends, and to give back through volunteering.
Beautiful Traditions
Miami University has unique and engaging traditions that the current students and community cannot wait for you to join. You never know what will happen next, but your time at Miami will be filled with community and family.
These are only a few of the many Miami traditions. Find a detailed list of traditions on Miami’s website at Miami Traditions.
