Colgate University

The Baptist Education Society of the State of New York and Colgate University was founded by thirteen men. Each offered $13 and thirteen prayers, and the Society's Constitution contained thirteen articles. Colgate has been non-sectarian since 1938. The first two digits in Colgate's zip code are thirteen and the last three numbers add up to thirteen (13346), the area code is 315, with a backwards thirteen inside.

In 1846, Professors A. C. Kendrick and J. F. Richardson prepared the Latin formula for the diplomas that has remained intact ever since. They, along with Professor John Howard Raymond and three trustees, devised the seal and motto, “Deo Ac Veritati” (“With reference to God and for the purpose of truth,” or simply “For God and for truth”).

The current name of Colgate's yearbook. The first volume of the Salmagundi was published by the Junior Class in 1883. The word means “miscellany” or “medley,” and originally, the book contained lists of faculty, fraternities, other campus organizations and their respective members. Salmagundi became the yearbook for the graduating class in 1934.

The first senior Torchlight ceremony was held at Taylor Lake in 1930. On graduation night, the Colgate conducts a processional around the lake.

For decades, Colgate has had a wonderful “hello” tradition. Students, faculty, and staff walking on campus routinely say hello to a passerby. It's a way of getting to know others and welcoming strangers to campus.

Legend has it that whomever you kiss on the bridge where Willow Path crosses Taylor Lake is whom you will eventually marry. Maybe this why the number of married Colgate couples is higher than most university numbers.