School spirit cannot be easily defined. The dictionary defines it as the emotional support one has for their educational institution, but I believe this definition is too general. I would say school spirit is proudly wearing your DePauw gear, getting involved with a school organization or attending a sporting event, musical performance, or theatre production. School spirit is being excited about DePauw. It means having Tiger Pride.
Just this year, DePauw University changed its primary logo to the face of a tiger. Before, there were a number of different symbols representing DePauw, including a tiger paw print, a letter "D" and a sideways facing tiger. There were too many emblems representing our school, and we weren't united as a whole. The new logo was chosen because our administrators, staff and faculty believe that it embodies the nature of DePauw and its students. The face of the tiger is meant to inspire our DePauw community to come together and support one another.
At larger universities, you always see a lot of students wearing school apparel. Whether it is school colors, logos or the name of the university, it is difficult to walk across a Big Ten campus, for example, and not see at least one student supporting their school. Here at DePauw, it is not as common, unless you are attending a sporting event. Greek affiliated attire is far more often worn.
Yes, greek life is a huge part of life here at DePauw, but it segregates the student body as a whole. Just as some sororities have days were they must wear clothing representing their house, I think we should have a day where DePauw apparel is encouraged. This way, there is no separation of our community.
Student attendance at DePauw events is something that I believe is vital. It is the core of what school spirit essentially is. As a DePauw athlete, I can say that whenever there is a large crowd of students at soccer games, it adds a motivational component to the game. You want to win not just for yourself and your team, but for all of those who are there watching and screaming you on. Having that kind of encouragement is the best feeling in the world.
My roommate freshman year was sophomore Anna Gatdula. She is in the School of Music at DePauw and sings opera. We made a deal first semester of freshman year that I would attend musical performances and she would watch my soccer games. In this way, we were both able to be there for each other and support one another in the activities that we were enthusiastic about. Having her as a roommate and friend has opened my eyes to the musical and artistic life here at DePauw. It has helped me to realize that school spirit isn't just about cheering your heart out at athletic events, but it is screaming your head off at the end of a musical/theatrical performance as well.
The university has over 100 student clubs and organizations to be apart of. If you don't see anything that you are interested in, then, by all means, start something of your very own that you are passionate about. It is your opportunity to be involved with your school, make the most of your time here and encourage others to participate as well. Being apart of an organization at DePauw gives you a chance to connect with your peers, create new experiences and ultimately contribute to your school.
DePauw's clubs and organization are school spirit at its finest because everyone is there voluntarily to partake in all that DePauw has to offer for them.
Your challenge is to prove that you have school spirit. Wear your gold and black with pride, shout till you lose your voice at school events and get involved with everything DePauw University has to offer.
- Konicek is a sophomore from Geneva, Ill., who plans to double major in psychology and education.