FIUTraditions

Trail of the Torch Tradition

 

Trail of Torch is FIU's largest tradition. Since its inception in 2004, this award-winning event has drawn more and more students each year. The event is hosted by SAA on the first Thursday of the fall semester. This candlelight procession across FIU's campus culminates with the lighting of the FIU torch outside Primera Casa (PC Building). During this large pep rally, students have the opportunity to meet the FIU Football players, Cheerleaders, Dazzlers, Golden Panther Band, and other special guests. Student organizations compete for the Tradition Keeper title and prizes. All students and staff are invited to participate. Don't miss the next Trail of the Torch on August 26, 2010. 

Kissing Pond and Bridge - SAA Sweethearts Tradition 

Behind the Ryder Business Building is a pond that is shaped like a heart. At the opening of the FIU Modesto A. Maidique Campus in 1972, students began sitting along the pond with their “significant other”. Even then, students could be caught kissing there and spending time together. As time passed, more and more couples began to visit the area around the pond and it soon became known as the Kissing Pond because of its heart shape. The story of the pond and bridge is that any couple who kisses on the bridge will be together for life. Years later, couples that first kissed at the pond come back to tell their story. Today, the pond, the bridge, and the surrounding gazebos serve as a place for lovers to sit and enjoy each other's company. On occasion, you will see a couple kissing at the pond, hoping that its promise will be true for them too. 

Join us at the next SAA Sweethearts Tradition in February 2011.

At the very heart of the DM building lays a big black cube. Years ago, a group of chemistry students sat underneath the cube to study for their finals. Out of intuition, they decided to spin the cube just for fun. Two weeks later, it was discovered that all of earned perfect scores on that exam and they wondered how. They could not explain it, yet they studied together the next semester and spun the cube again. Once again, they received A's on their exams. They decided to test fate and did not spin the cube the following semester. In addition to failing that exam, they all had to repeat the class. The students then realized the power of the cube. Ever since then, it has been advised that students spin the cube 24 hours before their exam for good luck and all the success that comes with FIU will be theirs.

Your next chance to attend the Finals Tradition and win a Tradition Keeper Scholarship is December 6, 2010.

Ghost Tours Tradition 

Each October, SAA hosts the Ghost Tours Tradition in the FIU Housing Quad. Students are led around campus to visit the haunted sites with their Fear Advisor. Learn about what really happened in the Control Tower, Gold Parking Garage, Kissing Pond, Green Library, and the FIU Cemetery. The next Ghost Tours event is taking place in October 2010.

The Freshman Luau takes place during Week of Welcome at the Biscayne Bay Campus. Students are able to enjoy entertainment, giveaways and free food in the Panther Square - Wolfe University Center. Come out to Freshman Luau to learn how you can become more involved in FIU student organizations! The next luau will be hosted by BBC Campus Life & Orientation, SAA, and Undergraduate Studies on August 26, 2010.

Stepping on the Seal

In the front of the Graham Center, one can find the great seal of FIU, symbolizing her strength, unity and success. One of the men who engraved the seal jokingly said to his friend, “Imagine if a student steps on the seal and doesn't graduate within the expected time”. They all laughed and continued working. Little did they know how powerful those words would be. Two years later, Javier Lopez came into FIU as a freshman with big dreams and the hope of completing college within 3 years. He always wondered why the seal was engraved on the floor, instead of on the wall. He had little respect for it and frequently stepped on the seal as he walked by. Those words spoken by the construction workers came to life. Not only did Javier fail to complete his coursework in 3 years, he also graduated after 9 years. Students have since been cautious, for their own good, about stepping on the precious seal.

Day at the Bay