Sophomore Justin Guiffre, The Hatchet’s contributing opinions editor, urges GW to develop more traditions based on our historical background.
Our school has a strong tradition of having no traditions. Sure we have Fall Fest, Spring Fling and a picture perfect commencement in front of famous landmarks, but when it comes to random acts of spirit, GW certainly lacks (imagine President Steven Knapp leading the school in a rousing midnight chorus of Happy Birthday to the statue of George). This doesn’t have to be the case for a university that has the full weight of a founding father and revolution to draw upon for inspiration.
Read his full column here.
I agree that GW should have more traditions. Administrators started many of the traditions at the University. Some, like the Hippo, have stuck and have been strongly defended by the students. Others, like GW’s birthday celebration are only beginning to grow.
But the types of traditions that the author, Justin Guiffre, is requesting are the types started by students. I would be shocked to find out that the Georgetown President or it’s basketball coach were the first person to dive into the fountain. My money is on the students.
I agree that “the genesis for these random acts of school spirit can come from the most obscure sources.” Students must play their role in creating these acts and traditions rather than just complaining that the administration lacks creativity in event planning.