Spirit and Tradition with Alaina

Transcript

What makes SFA special? The spirit and traditions that unite Lumberjacks is certainly at the top of the list. Meet Alaina, a proud student who embodies what it means to be part of the SFA family. From the Axe ‘Em, Jacks Salute to homecoming bonfires, the Watermelon Bash, and getting your first ax handle, SFA traditions create a lifelong bond for students and alumni. Alaina, tell us what being a Lumberjack means to you.

– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everybody. Finding the right university was so much more than a major to me. I wanted to find a school rooted in spirit and community. SFA was exactly what I was looking for. SFA’s traditions bring our student body together, and one of my favorites is Homecoming Week. Each fall, expect events like the epic bonfire and concert leading up to the big game, complete with a lively tailgating scene. Another unique tradition unlike anywhere else is that each student gets their own ax handle to personalize. You might not know it, but you already have an ax. Just make an Axe ‘Em Jacks hand sign, which symbolizes Texas, with your fingers pointing to Nacogdoches. We always wear purple to support SFA’s athletics in the student section known as the Purple Haze. And when we win, keep an eye out for the purple lights on steam towers celebrating our victories. If purple lights aren’t enough for you, how about a purple hand? When juniors earn 60 credit hours, they can apply for their class ring at SFA, which has one of the largest ring programs in the country. I recently got my ring at the Big Dip event. I was even the first student to dip for my ring on my birthday. Afterwards, wear your purple hand with pride and snap a selfie with Surfin’ Steve, but watch out for Twiggy, the campus squirrel. He may try to photobomb you. Freshmen will learn more about this and other traditions at Jack Camp, a summer weekend that showcases what makes SFA unique. No matter where you find yourself on campus or which major you choose, our incredible traditions in spirit unite us all as Lumberjacks. Thanks, and Axe ‘Em. Over to you, Alex.

– Thanks, Alaina. It’s obvious SFA traditions bring this campus to life. It’s inspiring to see how students like you embrace the Lumberjack spirit and pass it on for generations to come. Axe ‘Em, Jacks.