Central campus is built on many traditions

CMU has many traditions that characterize the campus and give it history.
Many annual events have become traditions for the university.
Tradition is very important for any group of people, said Office of Student Life student assistant Jake Little, Edwardsburg junior.
“It gives a school identity and it rallies students,” he said. “It’s a source of pride.”
One of the oldest and most popular campus traditions is Gentle Friday. The event began in the ’60s to promote peace. Live bands, food and entertainment highlight the program on Warriner Mall the Friday before final exams.
Siblings Weekend is another popular campus event. For more than 30 years, CMU students have invited their siblings to campus for a weekend of activities.
The Merrill Block Party, which is only about five years old, has become increasingly popular. It is hosted by Merrill Hall during the spring semester. Food, bands and games are provided.
The Rose Rowdies have been making noise during CMU basketball games for three years. Students wearing gold Rose Rowdies T-shirts, help boost the spirit of the games.
Many students also enjoy the traditional rivalry with Western Michigan University during Central-Western Weekend. CMU and WMU have been rivals since 1940 Students celebrate this rivalry during a fall weekend when the CMU football team visits WMU or when WMU visits CMU.
The CMU Powwow is another event students look forward to attending. In a celebration of culture and heritage, Native Americans travel to campus annually.
The Festival of Trees is an annual holiday event. For 10 years, local businesses buy small Christmas trees and decorate them to be auctioned off at the program.
Students have been getting free merchandise at the Wares Fare for 10 years. During the event, local businesses give away samples of their merchandise to allow students to realize what is available.
Many traditions are fairly new to campus including Say Hey Week, promoting friendship between organizations and around campus; Be My Neighbor Day, an event designed to help promote voluntarism around the community; Stompdown, an event exposing the community to the traditions of the Greek community and promoting unity between organizations; and LeaderShape, Connections and Leadership Safari, all conferences dealing with leadership learning activities.
Associate Dean of Students Michael Owens said traditions are necessary to build strength within a group.
“Over time, repeated traditions seem to solidify a culture,” he said. “They give the community a focal point. They help to establish a heritage.”