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News Release

 

"Clash of the Quads" Revives UAlbany Tradition

Contact Heidi Weber (518) 437-4980

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 9, 2003) -- The University at Albany's "Clash of the Quads," a two-day competition for freshman where students will compete in events ranging from kickball to a tri-cycle race (with a twist), will be held Oct. 11-12, noon to 4 p.m., on Indian and State Quads on the Uptown Campus. The event includes elements of an old UAlbany rivalry between classes and aims to revive this tradition for freshman.

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Christine Bouchard said, "The 'Clash of the Quads' was created to revive an old tradition that encourages school spirit and inspires pride in the University at Albany."

When UAlbany was known as the New York State College for Teachers from 1914 to 1959, a tradition was born that lasted into the 1960's between freshman and sophomore classes. The rivalry began on what was then called Campus Day in late October and lasted throughout the year until Moving-Up-Day just before commencement. It included a hunt for the opposing class' banner and mascot which had to be hidden in a campus building, athletic events, debates, skits and song competitions, according to University Archivist Geoffrey Williams.

The idea for "Clash of the Quads" was created by UAlbany's SPIRIT Committee consisting of students, athletes, faculty and staff.

"UAlbany students are the heart of the University and their spirit and enthusiasm flows throughout the campus community. As UAlbany continues to grow and evolve, we want to be sure that University traditions remain intact and that our students are aware of opportunities to participate in campus activities. The 'Clash of the Quads' is just one of many opportunities for students to not only build traditions, but also share experiences that we hope will become fond memories," said Bouchard.

During the competition, the opposing teams will wear UAlbany's colors, purple and gold. On Oct. 10, events will be held simultaneously on Indian and State Quad lawns. Events will include: kickball, egg on a spoon relay race, musical chairs, three-legged race, a single and a pairs double dutch competition and a tug-of-war.

The winning teams from State and Indian Quads from the semi-final events on Oct. 10 will move on to the final competition the next day. The final events will include: a tri-cycle race (with a twist), volleyball and a seed-spitting contest.

Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and the institution�s enduring symbol, will crown the winners during a formal presentation on Oct. 12.

For more information about the "Clash of the Quads," visit www.albany.edu/studentevents/.

 

Established in 1844 and designated a center of the State University of New York in 1962, the University at Albany's broad mission of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research and public service engages 17,000 diverse students in eight degree-granting schools and colleges. The University is engaged in a $500 million fundraising campaign, the most ambitious in its history, with the goal of placing it among the nation's top 30 public research universities by the end of the decade. For more information about this nationally ranked University, visit www.albany.edu


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