Council Fire, Handbook of McMurry College, 1983-84 Page: 43
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TRADITIONS OF TFIE RESETYATION
McMurry College has traditions with roots extending back to days gone
by. These are the intangibles of college life in many respects but they are as
real as the College itself. The spirit of McMurry is expressed in many ways and
every student will want to embrace these cherished aspects of college life with
the full intention of becoming a vital part of the McMurry Indian spirit. Long
after they have forgotten who sat beside them in class, they will remember the
rich traditions of which they have become a part.
WELCOME! Traditions are felt the day one arrives on the Reservation
when everyone greets every person he meets with a cheerful "hi", '"hi there", or
"hello". McMurry is well known for its friendliness on campus.
McMURRY INDIANS The first president of McMurry College, Dr. J.W.Hunt,
selected the Indian as the college's mascot. This was in honor of the Kaw Indian
tribe on whose reservation he was reared. McMurry has continually strived to
honor the Indian with authenticity in every way.
FORMAL CONVOCATION At the beginning of each fall semester the students
gather with the faculty (in full academic regalia) in Radford Auditorium to hear
the President of the College present his "goals for the year" address.
SLIMING To welcome the new freshmen to the Reservation and make them
feel a part of the student body, and boost their Indian spirit, a series of
activities are held called "sliming". A very predominate part of the freshman's
attire is the maroon and white "slime cap".
HOMECOMING Each year the MSG works with the Alumni Association in
planning and producing a full program of activities to welcome and honor the
hundreds of former students who return to the campus. This is one of the richest
traditions of all on the Reservation.
Activities begin at sun-up on Friday in Wah Wahtaysee Park with the
OPENING CEREMONY of Tipi Village. After representatives of different groups ask
the gods to favor the fighting Indians as they do battle (on the football field),
the "Spirit Indian" shoots an arrow into the sky signifying that the braves and
squaws may begin work on Tipi Village.
By mid-morning Friday, Wah Wahtaysee Park is filled with tipis erected
by the various college organizations. Awards are given at the football game for
the most authentic. This village, which is viewed by local elementary students,
has also received national recognition.
Friday evening the students present a HOMECOMING SHOW which is followed
by the presentation of the Class Favorites and climaxed by the CORONATION of
Chief McMurry and Reservation Princess.
After the Coronation the BEATING OF THE TOM-TOM begins and is continued
by the Freshman Class President as he moves to Wah Wahtaysee Park. Once in the
park tradition dictates the Freshman Class responsible for the continuous beat-
ing of the tom-tom until the kick-off at the Saturday football game.
"AIA CUMBA" is the often heard yell on the Reservation as the braves
are wished good luck for a victory. The last event of the weekend is the HOME-
COMING DANCE, held on the campus.
TIP SING SONG Sponsored by the oldest woman's social club on campus,
Sing Song is an opportunity for campus organizations to display their talent
in singing, costumes, and choreography in a group presentation.
CHRISTMAS DORMITORY DOOR DECORATIONS The women residents of Martin
and President Dormitories hold a door decorating contest to begin their Christ-
mas festivities. The public is invited to a Sunday afternoon Open House at
which winners in several catagories are announced. This Sunday is also the
beginning of Polly Annas which are culminated at the dorm Christmas Party.43
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McMurry College. Council Fire, Handbook of McMurry College, 1983-84, book, 1983; Abilene, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth253116/m1/47/: accessed July 8, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting McMurry University Library.