Traditions
and Campus Events
Apple Day is the celebration of when Pittsburg State University received funding to build what is now known as Russ Hall. On that day, the mayor of Pittsburg, Clarence Price, was fined a barrel of apples for being on the floor of the legislature. Upon returning to Pittsburg, the students of the then called Kansas State Manual Training Normal School Auxiliary fined Principle Russell S. Russ and his faculty members a barrel of apples for missing classes to lobby in Topeka in celebration of the passed legislation, thus starting the Apple Day tradition.
Incoming freshmen at PSU are invited to ring the Centennial Bell next to Axe Library when they first arrive on campus to signify the beginning of their academic career. On Commencement Day, the graduates are invited to ring the bell again to signify the completion of that journey.
Homecoming is an important tradition on here on campus. It has grown from being just a football game to be a weeklong celebration full of reunions and campus activities.
Beginning in the mid 70’s, Yell Like Hell has become a staple of Homecoming festivities on campus. On campus organizations, both big and small, compete against one another to see who has the best cheer/dance routine while also showing off their Pitt State school spirit. It is also at Yell Like Hell that the Homecoming Royalty is crowned. In the most recent years, Yell Like Hell has been held at Carnie Smith Stadium
The Homecoming Parade tradition at Pittsburg State University began 1993. Marching Bands, floats, and cars parade down Broadway towards the university, being cheered on by thousands of spectators. One can find floats from various on campus organizations, Greek Life, and cars carrying the Homecoming King and Queen candidates.
Aspects of the Homecoming football game can be traced back all the way to the University’s founding in 1903. But the first instances of the full Homecoming festivities were in the 1930s. Nowadays, the Homecoming game is the capstone event to finish off the week of Homecoming, with students, faculty, alumni, and Gorilla fans all coming together to celebrate Gorilla Nation.
