If you have ever been a student at Longwood University or even just visited the campus, you may have noticed a few unique things about the school. Listed below are 26 characteristics that describe every aspect of the Lancer Family.
A - All Girls School
Most people don't know that Longwood was originally founded in 1839 as an all girls school.
B - Building
Students are often heard complaining about all of the construction going on around campus. New dorms and a new student union are currently being built.
C - Crowns
Every students knows to step on the seven crowns painted onto the sidewalks around campus for good luck. The crowns are symbols of Princeps; an honorary organization devoted to promoting leadership among Longwood students.
D - Diversity
Since Longwood is a liberal arts school, the classes are incredibly diverse, offering students classes from women's studies to an English course on Harry Potter. Also, over 100 majors, minors, and concentrations are offered. Finally, not only are the classes diverse, but Longwood is home to many different races and cultures and even international students.
E - Elwood
Longwoods famous school mascot that can be seen at almost all sporting events.
F - Family
When students come to Longwood, they are not only welcomed into a community, but in a family as well. The continuous support from students and also professors is often hard to find among college campuses, but at Longwood students will experience this every single day.
G - Greek
Greek life is a huge aspect of the Longwood community (30% of students are a part of Greek life). Not a day goes by without seeing students sporting their Greek letters. Four major sororities were also founded here at Longwood.
H - History
Since Longwood was founded in 1839, it is the third oldest university in Virginia. Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant also marched past the north end of campus just days before the end of the American Civil War. Finally, Longwood sits in the town of Farmville, Virginia, a small town that played a key roll in the Prince Edward County school closings during the civil rights movements.
I - Incomparable
The traditions, availability of professors, community lifestyle, and beauty of Longwood's campus makes it impossible to compare to any other school.
J - Joanie on the Stony
A statue of the patron hero, Joan of Arc, sits in one of the academic buildings called Ruffner Hall (also home to the actual rotunda). Students are supposed to touch her hand before an exam or quiz to bring them good luck.
K - Kappa Delta
Greek history started at Longwood with the foundation of Kappa Delta sorority on October 28, 1897.
L - Lancers
The infamous school symbol which serves as the name for all of our division one sports teams.
M - Macado's
One of the most popular restaurants in town entertains students with a bar, outside seating, and a large variety of different foods to choose from.
N - No need to worry
Students and parents of students don't have to worry about their safety simply because of the emergency poles placed all over campus. Longwood's campus police were noted for their incredible response time of under a minute when the emergency button is pushed on the pole, giving students the sense of safety while walking around the campus alone.
O - Oktoberfest
Longwood students look forward to seeing the bands, participating in color wars, eating good food, and visiting booths every year at the annual Oktoberfest celebration.
P - Professors
Any Longwood student can tell you that the professors are some of the best in the state. Not only are they dedicated to their students, but they are always available for extra help. They also hold every student accountable for their attendance and assignments so students stay on track; something that is hard to find at other schools.
Q - Quaint
The buildings on campus are known for their attractive, old-fashioned style, making the campus even more beautiful and traditional.
R - Rotunda
Another Longwood tradition is avoiding stepping on the rotundas painted on the ground all around campus. If a student steps on one, not only is it disrespectful, but it is rumored that they will be cursed or have bad luck.
S - Southern Hospitality
While walking around campus, a majority of the students can be heard speaking with southern accents. Also, the people in the town of Farmville constantly show their hospitality with their friendly smiles and personalities.
T - Traditions
Oktoberfest, Chi walks, crowns, and rotundas are only a few of the many Longwood traditions that students have carried on for decades. They are often times student's favorite aspects of Longwood University.
U - "Undefeated" football team
Since Longwood does not have a varsity football team, students often joke that they have been "undefeated" since 1839, which is technically true.
V - Vice Presidential Debate
Longwood's biggest announcement of the year was that the U.S. Vice Presidential Debate will be held on campus in October of 2016.
W - Welcoming
While others are visiting campus or even transferring to the school, professors, staff, and students of Longwood always welcoming them with open arms.
X - "X" Symbol
Chi, one of the secret societies on campus uses an X as their symbol. It can be seen on the droppings they leave around campus and during their famous Chi walks.
Y - Yes, Farmville is an actual town, not just a Facebook video game
When telling people where Longwood is located, there will always be that one person who thinks Farmville is only a video game. And trust me, hearing it gets old after a while.
Z - Zeta Tau Alpha
One of Longwood's four Alpha chapters, Zeta Tau Alpha was founded on October 15, 1898.
Now it is easy to see why so many students and professors are so in love with Longwood University and what it has to offer. Overall, the Lancer Family is something that everybody feels a part of while stepping on campus.
