Whether or not you're moved in already, everyone knows Coe is a unique place. It's not perfect, but it's home for nine months out of the year. It's a place where you can grow, learn, and make amazing friends. A place where sometimes the food sucks, but the squirrels will still eat it. So whether you've been there three days (I'm looking at you fresh-people), or have been there forever, here are eight things (in no particular order) that every Kohawk gets.
1. Pam
Sometimes the best part of your day, Pam Hoback is the checker and hostess in the "U" at the Gage Memorial Union. One of the greatest people I've ever met, Pam is always ready to discuss my classes, or tell me when my favorite food is being offered for dinner. Even when busy, she makes an effort to greet every student by name -- which is impressive considering there are over 1500 students at Coe. Pam has been at Coe since 2011, and has made quite the impression on visitors, students, faculty and more. She goes above and beyond to interact with people, including taking pictures of students at the Presidential Ball and then posting them outside the Caf. Without Pam, the dining experience at Coe would be a lot less great -- here's to you Pam!
2. The squirrels
If you haven't fed a Coe squirrel a cookie you haven't lived. Seriously. Now I'm a firm believer of nature staying in the nature -- meaning I don't like it when they come super close to me. However, it's almost a right of passage, for students to feed a squirrel. These squirrels, fluffy monstrosities, are afraid of nothing and know which students to get the most food out of. I've sacrificed many half-eaten granola bars to those squirrels -- but hey, they add to the charm of the campus. Plus seeing them flounder in 10 inch snow because they're too chubby is amusing.
3. The Presidential Ball
Really an excuse for everyone to get dressed up and mingle, the Pres Ball has been a tradition at Coe for a long time. Held downtown, both faculty and students come to talk, eat and most importantly dance. For me, Pres Ball was way more fun than Homecoming -- maybe because I got to wear my prom dress, or maybe because I got to dance with my group of friends. Whatever the reason, it's a great Coe tradition, and definitely something that only Kohawks understand.
4. The Drag Show
Held every year, during the Spring Semester, the Drag Show is put on by Coe Alliance. Every year has a theme, with last year's being "Politics -- What a Drag!" Employing both students and real drag kings and queens, the money made at this event is donated to charity. This event is a ton of fun for both students and the faculty that come out. Even with technical difficulties everyone still has a great time. The Coe Alliance definitely deserves props for putting on such a great event year after year.
5. Flunk Day
Ah, the greatness of Flunk Day. Solely a Coe tradition, Flunk Day is a day each spring semester where classes are cancelled and fun events are held both on and off campus. Every year since 1911, both students and faculty guess when it will be held -- and are usually wrong. According to what I've heard, only two people know when Flunk Day is actually going to be, which employs a sense of mystery to the whole event. While students who are of age are allowed to drink, underage students obviously aren't allowed to partake in that course of action. Whatever you do on Flunk Day, just make sure you follow the two rules: Be safe, and have fun.
6. Long Night Against Procrastination
The Long Night Against Procrastination happens every semester before finals. It's a great way to get a lot of work done and to receive prizes for being in the library for four or more hours. I tend to go a bit stir-crazy if forced to work on stuff for four hours, but there are tons of events happening throughout the night to combat that. Plus, there are tons of great snacks and free coffee to keep you fueled.
7. The Victory Bell
Historically this bell is rung by each student twice: once during New Student Orientation, and once after the graduate. It's a great Coe tradition, and one only Kohawks know. I like how a singular thing marks both the beginning and end of four years of your life. It's poetic in a way. It almost makes me think of a quote from Harry Potter: "I open at the close". Your life is opening up to a whole new slew of possibilities once you ring that bell for the final time, marking the close of a significant period of your life. I really like that idea. I also really liked ringing the Victory Bell -- the photographer told me to do a big pull, and I yanked it so hard the rope jumped out of my hand.
8. Our mascot
Yes, we made it up -- no we aren't sorry. The Kohawk originated from the Iowa state bird (the hawk) and the root Ko or Co which means together. Plus who doesn't like making up new species of animals -- at least our mascot is better than a ram (aka Cornell's mascot, and our rival school). It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "Kohawks fly together" doesn't it?
