Carnegie Mellon University traditions

Carnegie Mellon University is home to a variety of unique traditions, some of which date back to the early days of its over 100-year history.

Many of these traditions hearken to the university's strength in engineering, such as the buggy races and the mobots, while others are purely social in nature, such as Spring Carnival and The Fence.

In the late-18th Century, after the United States won its independence, the settlement at the present city of Pittsburgh was known as the frontier and the Gateway to the West.

[2] Here where spangled wildernesses Robed the fountains of the west, Where the savage strife and stresses Brought the settlers' crimson quest; Land of legend, glory graces, Gypsy tide and toiling shore, 'Mid thy hilltops Alma Mater Stands enthroned forever more.

Upon its founding in 1900, Andrew Carnegie had intended the university to be a vocational school for the children of the workers in his steel mills.

As the university progressed, it embraced the arts as exemplified by the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, the first degree-granting program in the country, while continuing to focus on its technical and scientific education.

Here was heard the musket's rattle, 'Round us roll'd the thralling drum All is hush'd, no more they startle, Now we hear sweet labor's hum, Art and science rule our battle, In their pathway honor lies.

The last verse references the university's dedication to academic excellence and high-quality teaching, alluding to its continued pursuit of collecting and disseminating knowledge.

[3] The Fence frequently displays witty or poignant messages, but is just as often used to advertise upcoming events or recent accomplishments.

Because of its highly visible location on campus, it is an ideal place to proclaim one's message to as much of the student body as possible.

Over the valley spanned a bridge which the men of Carnegie Tech realized was a strategic spot for meeting the women of Maggie Mo as they crossed the cut.

In August 2008, the graduating class of 2008 at the Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley Campus brought the tradition to California by installing their own version of the fence, and dedicating it to Randy Pausch, who died in that year.

This sometimes leads to groups setting up a tent or campsite just inside the boundary so that they may "hold" the fence for an extended amount of time.

The Fence is used not only to advertise upcoming events for a variety of organizations, but also to recognize different political views, religious or ethnic holidays, as well as support those on campus that may feel underrepresented.

The driver (who—like all participants—must be a Carnegie Mellon student, and is almost always short, light, and female) lies down inside the vehicle with the steering and brake controls.

The second-to-last corner of the race, a sharp 110-degree right turn, is affectionately called "The Chute" and is lined with hay bales to prevent potential driver and spectator injury.

The first successful 3 wheeled buggies were developed in the early 80s led by Pi Kappa Alpha (PiKA) and Sigma Nu.

Fringe took the men's title in 2010 after a dominant SDC was removed from competition due to an alleged fire safety violation.

Live media coverage of the Sweepstakes races has historically been provided by WRCT-FM, the school's student-run radio station.

In recent years, campus television station cmuTV has broadcast live video coverage of the races with commentary from WRCT-FM.

Booths are multi-story structures constructed by campus organizations, featuring (usually) free games and cheap giveaway prizes.

Various musical acts, improv comedy troupes, and other performances are staged in a nearby tent running throughout the weekend and providing a backdrop to the entire spectacle.

"Mobot," a general term resulting from shortening "mobile robot", is an annual competition at Carnegie Mellon that made its debut in 1994.

[18] Entry to compete in the Mobot competition is free and is for currently enrolled undergraduate students at Carnegie Mellon.

To this day, a King takes to the track every home game between the third and fourth quarters, to quest for the Grail, with his loyal steed, Patsy.

[21] The Kiltie Marching Band consists of musicians and colorguard and plays at all Carnegie Mellon home football games.

There is a new show every week with music ranging from traditional marches and oldies to current pop tunes and jazz standards.