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Traditions

Georgia Southern is a university rich in history. Since its humble beginnings as First District A&M School in 1906 through its 2018 consolidation with Armstrong State University, the school has established a wide range of traditions that serve to distinguish it from its peers and deepen the bond with its own students as each year passes. The Eagle Nation is built on these bonds, soaring on the cheers of students, alumni and loyal fans who shout “Georgia…” and know with confidence the answer they’ll receive.

One University. Three Campuses.

Armstrong Campus

Georgia Southern has grown to three distinct campuses, serving the needs of one dynamic institution. The Statesboro Campus is 900 acres of Georgian-style, red-brick historic buildings and modern contemporary buildings set amid pines and oaks and home to more than 20,000 students; the Armstrong Campus in Savannah is a 268-acre arboretum campus just minutes away from historic downtown Savannah and home to some 6,500 students; and a modern, state-of-the-art facility in Hinesville is geared for local and military-affiliated students.

Military Friendly

Military Friendly

Military service and support is a time-honored tradition for Georgia Southern. With two major military installations in the region, the University has always been a welcome home to soldiers, veterans and student cadets. As a result, G.I. Jobs magazine has repeatedly named Georgia Southern a Military Friendly institution. In addition, Eagle Battalion, our ROTC program has long been a source of national recognition, winning the prestigious MacArthur Award four times, and leading the nation in the production of Army Nurses.

 
 

Freedom’s Flight

Freedom

In what has become one of the most popular traditions at Georgia Southern University, “Freedom,” a male American Bald Eagle, takes flight before each home football game. Launching from high above the field, Freedom lands at midfield to the roar of thousands of Eagle students and fans. In recent years, his dramatic presence concludes the University’s Spring commencement ceremony.

Eagle Experience

Weeks of Welcome

Your Georgia Southern journey begins with The Eagle Experience — a chance for you to dig in from day one and write your next chapter. Through a multitude of events and activities, you’ll meet new friends, learn from accomplished professors, create memories for a lifetime, engage in practical learning, and, most importantly, make our house YOUR house.

 
 

Sweetheart Circle

Sweetheart Circle

Savannah and some universities have “squares,” but Georgia Southern University has Sweetheart Circle in Statesboro. Sweetheart Circle derives its name from what students used to call the “Sweetheart Campus.” The rolling lawn of picturesque live oaks and pecan trees has played host to many important events in the University’s history, including countless marriage proposals and wedding ceremonies – a tradition that continues today. It is said that if you walk around the circle three times with your sweetheart, you are sure to be married.

Tybee Beach Bash

Beach Bash

The Annual Beach Bash at Tybee Beach is a long-time favorite of Georgia Southern students. The event features music, free food, games and contests — including limbo, cornhole and even a legendary tug-of-war challenge. Thousands of students over the years have closed out the first week of classes with the sweet reward of a trip to the beach.

 
 

Homecoming

Homecoming

When cool autumn breezes give way to heated Eagle spirit, it can only mean one thing: Homecoming. This week-long observance plays host to thousands of Georgia Southern alumni, current students and community members. The celebration includes a variety of special events, reunions, social gatherings and even a parade. The week culminates in the Eagles Homecoming game at Paulson Stadium and the announcement of the Homecoming King and Queen.

Georgia… Southern…

Georgia Southern Shout

Georgia Southern alumni and fans all know this famous Eagle “shout out.” Georgia Southern spirit is alive and well as fans and alumni make sure everyone knows who we are. Whether you run into a fellow alum in the airport, see a classmate at a restaurant in Atlanta or are cheering on your Eagles at a sporting event, the chant “Georgia …” — “Southern…” are the only two words you need to know.

 
 

Summer Celebration

Summer Celebration

What started in 1948 as a way for the late President Zach Henderson to provide a cool treat to the students, faculty and staff who were still on campus during the hot summer months has turned into a fruit and ice-cream summer break called the Summer Celebration. Happening in July on each campus, community members and friends are also invited for free refreshments, including Leopold’s ice cream.

Holiday Campus Lighting

Holiday Lighting of Sweetheart Circle

Flipping on the switch for the holiday lights is a tradition at both Statesboro and Armstrong campuses. In Statesboro, Sweetheart Circle is the perfect backdrop for holiday lights, evergreen wreaths and red bows, and the buildings, trees and lampposts are draped in lights and ornaments. On the Armstrong Campus in Savannah, holiday lights adorn the entrance sign and majestic live oaks along Abercorn Street. On each campus, students and locals alike gather for traditional treats and seasonal music to officially start the holiday season.

 
 

Beautiful Eagle Creek

football team and president of the university at eagle creek

When Georgia Southern resurrected the football program in 1981, traditions and spirit needed resurrection as well. So legendary Head Football Coach Erk Russell created his own. But inspiration came to him in the most unusual of places. Inspired by the gnat-infested drainage ditch that cut across the field between the team’s locker room and practice fields, Russell convinced his players that its stagnant water was actually “Beautiful Eagle Creek,” a source of “magical” waters.

One More Time

football fans in the stands with body paint spelling out One More Time

After the Eagles won their second straight national championship in 1986, legendary coach Erk Russell said, “Hey ladies, hey fellas, hey gentlemen, one more time for the greatest team in America.” The phrase stuck, and Russell, one of the best motivators at any level of college football, began to use it to “light a fire” in players, whenever a game was on the line.

 
 

GUS

GUS running down football field with flag

There is possibly no more visible figure than Georgia Southern’s official Eagle mascot, GUS. Best known for his sideline antics at sporting events, the loveable, furry mascot makes special appearances throughout the year. GUS has visited the Georgia Capitol, posing with business and political leaders, and other dignitaries, as an ambassador for the University. Gus has even been an ESPN “favorite mascot” nominee.

Southern Pride

historic photo of Southern Pride team

As Georgia Southern University’s marching band, Southern Pride is two hundred members strong and celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2007. Southern Pride performs at all home football games, select “on the road” athletic events, parades, and as an exhibition band at marching contests throughout the state and region. The band combines the highest quality music and execution, while providing entertainment and sparking enthusiast Georgia Southern fans.

GATA

Large flag with GATA written across, football players running underneath away from the camera and one player is hitting the flag with his hand

A phrase coined by legendary football coach Erk Russell when he urged his players to “Get After Their A**es!” The acronym now is a rally cry that takes on different sayings across the university, such as “Get After Those Academics.”

Learn More About the Meaning of GATA >

Whose House? Our House!

Whose House? Our House!

“Whose House? Our House!” There may be imitators, but there’s nothing like the original. One of the classic chants in all of college sports had its start in Statesboro. During home football games, at the “prettiest little stadium in America,” as well as on the hardwood of Hanner Fieldhouse, the defining cheer, led by the student section, reminds opponents of Eagle home dominance.

 

True Blue

True Blue
Are you True Blue? If you are a die-hard enthusiastic or life-long supporter of Georgia Southern University, then you are definitely True Blue! No other phrase illustrates our pride in Georgia Southern than this one. Show your true spirit by taking a True Blue sign with you on trips, snap a photo and submit it at GeorgiaSouthern.edu/trueblue.

The Eagles

The Eagles
Georgia Southern’s athletics teams have adopted several names throughout history, but claimed “Eagles” by a campus vote in 1959. Having one American Bald Eagle on campus is impressive, but having multiple eagles is a true triumph. The eagles – Freedom and Glory – live in the campus-based Center for Wildlife Education and the Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor Center, which has a wetlands area, an old-growth forest and a mountain display.

 
 

Honoring A Legacy

Honoring a Legacy
As a demonstration of intensity, legendary football Coach Erk Russell would head butt his players, bare head to helmet, often drawing blood in the exchange. When the Eagle Players Association and community leaders commissioned, and dedicated, a bronze bust of Russell near the players entrance to the field in 2007, a new tradition was born. Today, as Eagles take the field, each player head butts the bust to honor Russell’s legacy.

Yellow School Buses

Yellow School Buses
When the football program was resurrected in 1981, the team needed a way to travel to practices and games. Operating on a shoestring budget didn’t allow for transportation back then, let alone any luxurious travel. The Bulloch County Board of Education stepped in with a deal the University couldn’t refuse: Georgia Southern would only pay one dollar each for two yellow school buses. The football team still uses the buses to this day.

The “Alma Mater” Download the “Alma Mater”

Verse 1
From humble farm beginnings
Sprung up from the sandy earth
Among the tow’ring pine trees
Stands a treasure of great worth.
Her price cannot be measured
In silver or in gold
But in the love and loyalty
That many hearts enfold.

Chorus:
Georgia Southern University.
On Eagles’ wings you soar.
We pledge to you our loyalty
And love for ever more.

Verse 2
Through triumphs and through trials
Our Alma Mater’s stood
As solid as the oak tree
For justice and for good.
As through these gates we travel
And though our ways must part,
Our Georgia Southern mem’ries
We’ll keep within our hearts.

Lyrics by Caryl Cain Brown, music by David Matthew

Fight Song Download the Fight Song

Wave the blue, wave the white,
Hold the banners high,
The Eagles are on the wing.
Sound the cry to the sky as we look for glory,
Victory now we sing.
Hail the blue, hail the white,
Hail the team that’s soaring,
Upward to bring us fame;
Georgia Southern Eagles
Fight on to victory and
Win this game!
Blue and white – fight, fight!
Blue and white – fight, fight!
Georgia Southern – Eagles!
Fight, fight, fight!