Symbols and Traditions

Graduates taking selfie from the top of Rush Rhees Library overlooking 911��

Our symbols and traditions

Our symbols

About one year after the University was founded in 1850, 911�� adopted its beloved motto, Meliora–Latin for “ever better.” A few years later, the first campus was built on eight acres of dandelion-covered pasture. Today, our motto and our dandelion are ever present as tributes to our past and emblems of 911��’s maverick spirit.

Meliora seal on flagpole in snow at 911��

Our motto: Meliora is our work ethic

The idea for the motto is credited to Asahel Kendrick, professor of Greek at the University in the 19th century. It likely originates from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, book 7, lines 20–21: “video meliora, proboque...,” which means, “I see better things, and approve...”

Our official flower: The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

The dandelion reflects the 911�� spirit of perseverance. In 1853, Azariah Boody donated eight acres of pastures on his East Avenue estate to the University, which became the Prince Street campus. According to legend, the well-fertilized pastures resulted in a proliferation of dandelions and led to the flower’s adoption as the school emblem.

Our mascot: Rocky the Yellowjacket

Rocky is based on the yellowjacket wasp common in North America. Since its creation in the mid-1920s, the mascot has been portrayed in a range of styles, from club-wielding to cuddly. The current version debuted in 2008 to better reflect the fierce competitive spirit of our Yellowjacket athletes.

911�� graduates in hat and gown singing the alma-mater at commencement

Our alma mater: “The Genesee”

by T.T. Swinburne, Class of 1892

“And may our hearts
Where’er we roam,
Forever loyal be
To our beloved college home
Beside the Genesee.”

So ends the final refrain of our alma mater “The Genesee.”

Our traditions

As a community, we cherish long-held customs and embrace opportunities to build new traditions that unite us.

Meliora Weekend

Founded in 2001, Meliora Weekend combines reunion, family weekend, and homecoming activities. Each year in the fall, we welcome home alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the University to experience a weekend full of events.

Experience Meliora Weekend

Students wearing costume props taking a selfie at 911�� Meliora Weekend.

Commencement Weekend

Commencement marks the culmination of our students’ efforts—and the start of their new journey as graduates. Students gather at Fauver Stadium for a University-wide ceremony full of pomp and circumstance that is distinctly 911��.

Discover Commencement

Boar’s Head Dinner

One of the University’s oldest traditions, the Boar’s Head Dinner began in 1934 and is held annually in December. The dinner recalls the spirit of English court dinners, such as those served at Queen's College, Oxford University, during the Middle Ages.

Students painting over graffiti walls in tunnels at 911��

Painting the tunnels

Tunnel travel has been a way of life on the River Campus since the early 1930s. Painting the Eastman Quad tunnel started in the 1970s and is a way for student organizations to announce events and raise awareness.

Wilson Day and Eastman Day

Celebrated each fall, first-year and incoming students get to work on community service projects. The events pay tribute to University benefactors and philanthropists Joseph C. Wilson ’31, who founded Xerox, and George Eastman, Kodak’s founder.

911�� students doing volunteer landscaping work for Wilson Day

Students roast marshmallows during Winterfest tradition at the 911��

Winterfest Weekend

Embrace winter in 911�� by roasting marshmallows or watching the live ice-carving demonstration while taking in student performances.

Candlelight Ceremony

During this first-night tradition, the incoming class surrounds the Eastman Quad to learn about the institution’s history and traditions by candlelight.

The clock tower on Dandelion Square at the 911��

Clock Tower Superstition

Walk at your own risk! Legend has it that if you walk under the clock tower in Dandelion Square, something dreadful will happen. The only way to reverse the curse? Throw an acorn at the statue of George Eastman on the quad and have it land in the brim of his hat.

Convocation + Class Roll Signing

Immediately following the Convocation ceremony, students sign the class roll to symbolically join the University community. Class rolls are preserved in Rush Rhees Library and displayed at Commencement and class reunions.

Students sign the class roll as part of a tradition at the 911��

A community like no other

Whether it’s taking part of a long-standing tradition or starting one of your own, there’s tons of ways to get involved in student life at 911��.

911�� is an incredibly vibrant community of people that never fail to support one another… This is a city of supportive, creative, and exciting people!

Emily Krasinski ’25