Whether it be on campus or on game day, Southern Miss has a long list of traditions as rich as the school’s history itself.

Traditions are an important component of any institution of higher learning, and The University of Southern Mississippi is no exception.  The traditions of the University are protected by a resolution signed by Dr. Martha Saunders, President of The University of Southern Mississippi, and Lou Ann Poynter, President of the Board of Directors of the Southern Miss Alumni Association.

This resolution names the Alumni Association’s Traditions Committee as a clearinghouse for any and all proposed changes and/or alterations to Southern Miss traditions.  The purpose of this resolution is to preserve the traditions of The University of Southern Mississippi as they were originally intended.

View a Copy of the Resolution (PDF)

For more information on the resolution or University traditions, contact the Alumni Association at 601.266.5013 or alumni@usm.edu.

Among the traditions officially recognized by the University:

Alma Mater - Yvonne Hamilton and Clara Davenport wrote the lyrics for the school’s alma mater, with arrangements by Mary Leila Gardner. In 1963, Luigi Zaninelli arranged the score into the version still used today.

We sing to thee, our Alma Mater,
USM thy praises be.
Southern mem’ries we shall cherish
Loyalty we pledge to thee.
(Chorus)
Spacious skies and land of sunshine,
Verdant trees and shelt’ring walls.
Now our hearts lift ev-er to thee
As we praise thy hallowed halls.

Cheers – Whenever Southern Miss students, alumni, or fans congregate, you’re likely to hear any one of these traditional cheers at any given time.

Southern Miss Shout Out
S-OU-THERN
Southern Mississippi
U-S-M!

Big Gold
B-I-G-G-O-L-D
Let’s Go Big Gold!

Southern Miss To The Top
Southern Miss
To The Top!

Fight Song – Overheard at athletic contests for over 40 years, “Southern Miss to the Top!” was penned in 1955 by Robert Hays, assistant director of The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band.

Southern Mississippi to the top! To the top,
So lift your voices high, show them the reason why,
That Southern spirit never will stop.
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Southern Mississippi all the way, banners high
And we will Fight! Fight! Fight! to victory,
Hear our battle cry!

Friday Night at the Fountain – The Southern Miss pep rally takes place every evening before home game festivities at the Fountain in front of the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building. Friday Night at the Fountain festivities typically include The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band, the Dixie Darlings, the Southern Miss cheerleaders, Seymour, the Southern Misses, coaches, and players.

The District - The historical district of campus, known simply as The District, has acted as a gathering place for Southern Miss students and alumni since the early days of the university. Spring visitors to The District can enjoy the All-American Rose Garden next to Lake Byron and the Black-Eyed Susans, the official flower of Southern Miss. During football season, The District serves as the starting point for the Eagle Walk and the heart of tailgating activities as students, alumni and friends of Southern Miss gather before each home game.

Eagle Walk – The historic game day parade begins two-and-a-half hours before every kickoff as thousands of fans line Eagle Walk Drive. A cannon is fired, and The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band strikes up “Southern Miss to the Top!” as the Golden Eagles march into M. M. Roberts Stadium while the faithful cheer them on.

Junior Eagle Spirit Line – At each home football contest, children form a human tunnel to welcome the Golden Eagles back to the field at the beginning of the second half.

Fifth Quarter Concert – Following each football game, the Pride of Mississippi Marching Band performs a short concert on the field for the fans that have congregated to visit with players and each other.

Founder’s Day – A campus-wide celebration held each year on March 30, the day the University was originally established. New Southern Miss Hall of Fame members are honored and other university awards are presented on this day every year.

The Painting of the Eagle Walk – Every fall before the first home football game, freshmen gather to give the Eagle Walk a fresh coat of gold paint, transforming Eagle Walk Drive into a street of gold underneath the east side of M. M. Roberts Stadium.