University of Colorado

Though students have proudly paraded the official school colors of silver and gold since 1988, black was recently added to contrast the gold. The original colors of silver and gold are representative of the rich minerals that Colorado holds.

Each CU commencement ceremony is concluded with inspiring words that characterize the Norlin Charge. This speech, which was originally written by CU President George Norlin, was first addressed to graduates on June 9, 1935. This speech reminds graduating students that they will forever be “promoters” of the University's spirit.

In 1966, a six-month-old calf was chosen to represent the University's strength and vigor. Misled as to its gender, the student body initially named the buffalo “Ralph,” but accordingly changed her name to “Ralphie.” Though the original buffalo passed away in 1978, the current Ralphie still carries CU's spirit as she storms through every football game played on Folsom Field.

As a finale to countless days and nights spent at the Sink, graduating students have made a practice of signing their names on the Sink walls. This tradition is often performed in the early mornings before the graduation ceremony, when the Sink opens for its graduates at 6 a.m.