Students: Become a Tradition Keeper This Homecoming

Have you bobbed to the Budweiser Song? Conquered Freshman Hill? Joined Swarm for football season? If you’ve done any of these things, then you’re on your way to becoming a Georgia Tech Tradition Keeper. 

The Tradition Keepers program is a collaboration between the Student Alumni Association (SAA) and Ramblin’ Reck Club. Through this program, students are encouraged to complete a list of Tech Traditions to earn the title of Tradition Keeper. Participants receive awards for different levels and upon completion, and can ultimately be awarded a medal to wear at Commencement.

“Traditions are the foundation of what builds a great institute,” said Laura McCray, co-chair of SAA’s Spirit, Traditions, and Pride (STP) Committee, which manages the program. “It’s important for students to participate in these things that make Georgia Tech unique so they feel part of the community, and they’re proud to be here.”

In order to receive credit for completing a tradition, students must take a photo of themselves to document the experience. That photo is then submitted to the Tradition Keepers website, where students can continue to upload photos as they complete traditions throughout their time at Tech.

Students can get the list of traditions on the website or from the Alumni House. To receive a medal, students must complete at least 25 traditions. All of the traditions located within the “Core Curriculum” must be completed, but students need to complete only five from the “Electives” section.

Although prizes are given as incentives, the most rewarding aspect may be the memories and shared experiences gained by participating in Tech traditions.

“When you meet someone from Tech, you can talk about traditions no matter how old they are,” said Rani Tilva, STP Committee co-chair. “Everyone hates Freshman Hill, but there is a sense of accomplishment when you make it to the top without sweating and being out of breath.”

The first step to becoming a Tradition Keeper is to join SAA. SAA hosts events throughout the semester to promote various traditions. Events such as Tradition Keeper Day on Tuesday, Nov. 10, will help students complete multiple traditions at once. Students can also participate in additional STP events this week during Homecoming events. The Alumni Letter Writing event will be held Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tech Walk, and all participants will receive a Tech cake pop or flag pin.

Certain traditions, such as the Mini 500, Ramblin’ Wreck Parade, and Team Buzz, are exclusive to Homecoming week, so be sure to watch for those events coming up soon.