With the help of a few MSU publications, here's a look back at a few freshman "traditions" that took place over the years.
Beanie caps
For at least three decades, male freshmen would receive an infamously unceremonious buzz cut upon arriving to campus followed by a beanie cap to cover up their new look. Beanies varied in style over the years, and when paired with the bookstore-issued windbreaker, it served as a ticket across the state and beyond for a hitchhiker.
Pajama parade and cake race
In the middle part of the 20th century, a home football game was designated to host two interesting freshman traditions. Before the game, freshmen, dressed in their pajamas, would assemble at the YMCA building before marching to the stadium where they would sit together. The 1961-62 University Bulldog (student handbook) describes what would follow: “At the half-time ceremony, they have a cross-country race and the first ten freshmen to cross the finish line are awarded cake.”
Getting coal for the fire
In the early days of Mississippi A&M College, rooms in Old Main Dormitory lacked central heat and air. However, each room did have its own fireplace. According to John Bettersworth’s People’s College, “The upperclassmen soon found ways of consigning the heat problem to the novice on the campus.” Freshmen would have to purchase coal from the college and transport it via scuttle back to the dormitory before taps was played for the evening.
Christmas report
When the holidays approached, upperclassmen had a unique way of counting down to the semester’s end. Starting from December 1, freshmen had to be ready and able to recite the following on demand:
Realizing with exuberance the unimpeded passage of time, which unhaltingly brings near this glad and festive Yuletide season, it is my paramount wish and uncontrollable desire that I, freshman (name), be permitted to make the following report:
On this _________ hour of the _________ day of December, nine-teen hundred and (year) anno domini, there remain but _________ days, _________ hours, and _________ minutes, until we shall be allowed to desist from our fatiguing labors at this institution of higher learning and proceed cum magna celeritate to our respective domicles, mine being located in the town of _________, the county of _________, and the state of _________.
Thank you sirs.
Click here to watch Dr. Roy Ruby recite the report from memory in 2025.
