Since the first official class entered Iowa State University in 1869, many traditions have been established and upheld here.

Zodiac

Located in the north entrance of the Memorial Union, the Zodiac was designed by William T. Proudfoot. He designed the bronze figures to be raised so that over time they would be worn down and level with the floor.

In 1929, students decided it was unlucky to step on the zodiac because they liked the raised figures and wanted to keep them that way. The students developed a “curse” that said if you stepped on the zodiac, you would fail your next test. In order to reverse the “curse,” you had to toss a coin into the Fountain of the Four Seasons.

Fountain of the Four Seasons

Christian Petersen has many pieces of artwork on campus, a few of which are part of the Fountain of the Four Seasons.

The fountain was originally gifted to the university from the Veishea committee in 1937. Petersen created the sculptures that adorn each side, and they were added in 1942.

Each sculpture stands for a different season. The one on the east represents spring and planting corn. On the south is the summer sculpture that represents sheltering the new corn plant. Fall is represented by the sculpture on the west and symbolizes harvesting. The north sculpture is nursing a child and represents winter.

“Over the years, all kinds of things have ended up in the fountain: soap, dye, fish [including piranhas], coins … and of course, all sorts of people,” according to the Memorial Union page on the ISU website. 

Homecoming

The first Iowa State University alumni to come back for homecoming came in 1912 and started a variety of traditions. The Student Alumni Leadership Council currently helps plan Homecoming.

The traditions carried on today for Homecoming include tailgating, fireworks, lawn displays, Yell Like Hell in the greek community and mass campaniling.

Veishea

Veishea first occurred in 1922 and was named after the original colleges at Iowa State: veterinary medicine, education, industrial science, home economics and agriculture.

The point of this celebration was to combine those of the different colleges. Some of the events used to celebrate Veishea include college open houses, Stars Over Veishea student performances, canoe races, a parade and cherry pies.

Because of the riot in 2014, the future of Veishea is now in jeopardy.

Hilton Magic

Buck Turnbull of the Des Moines Register first coined the term “Hilton Magic.” This term describes the belief that the support of the faithful ISU fans help produce victories at basketball games in Hilton Coliseum.

University songs

Below are the lyrics to two songs that are often played at ISU events.

Iowa State Fight Song

Oh we will fight, fight, fight for Iowa State

And may her colors ever fly.

Yes, we will fight with might for Iowa State

With a will to do or die.

Rah! Rah! Rah!

Loyal sons forever true

And we will fight the battle through,

And when we hit that line

We’ll hit it hard, ev’ry yard for ISU.

The Bells of Iowa State

Green hills for thy throne,

And for crown a golden melody

Ringing in the hearts of all

Who bring thee love and loyalty;

Dear Alma Mater,

Make our spirits great,

True and valiant

Like the bells of Iowa State.