Campus Traditions—A Staple of Campus Life

Traditions unite our diverse community at Seattle University. Get a glimpse of our traditions, annual events and other things we do together for a fun and meaningful student life.

Annual Traditions for New Students

Make your first year of campus life memorable by embracing a few traditions we have at Seattle University.

RING THE CHAPEL BELL
Ring in your time at SU during Orientation and signal your future success!

SIGN YOUR ENTERING CLASS BANNER
Write your name into SU history by signing your entering year banner.

HAWKS UP AT YOUR CLASS PHOTO
Come and take your class photo! Don't forget to put your hawks up! (See how below!)

Spiritual Traditions in Student Life

Participating in spiritual traditions is another way to connect as a Redhawk! Our Jesuit and Catholic roots make it easy to add to or continue in religious traditions in college. You don’t have to follow a specific belief system to be a Redhawk – we embrace all students as they are.

We empower you to connect with whatever spiritual traditions that have the most meaning to you. Learn more about connecting with your spiritual community at Seattle U!

Annual Campus Events & Traditions

Learn more about Seattle University's annual events, traditions, history and other fun things we do to show we're a proud campus community.

Annual Events

Explore the full list of annual events unique to Seattle U.

Cultural Showcases

Discover cultural showcases that highlight SU's diverse campus community.

International Events and Activities

Find events and activities with an international focus.

Signature Event: Winter Ball

Run by the Student Events and Activities Council (SEAC), Winter Ball is a fun annual SU dance. This tradition has been hosted at locations like the Seattle Aquarium, Museum of Pop Culture, Benaroya Hall and the Museum of History and Industry.

Why This Event Is Important: 

An event like Winter Ball is more than just fun. It is a time of stress-relieving and community building for students. Events like this create a sense of tradition, social interaction, and positive memories for the student experience. . Moments like Winter Ball allow SU students to feel a part of their broader Seattle and Seattle University community.

Positive Comments from Students: 

“Winter Ball is one of SU’s biggest events and students get to have an evening filled with music, art, friends & memories. As a student myself, I always look forward to getting ready with my friends, checking out new exhibits, and dancing!”

- Caitlin Haydon ‘24

Top 5 Annual Events

There’s always something happening on campus! Here are a few events we think you’ll love.

Explore student events on ConnectSU

Homecoming

Homecoming is a week-long celebration of all things Redhawk! Whether it’s participating in the 5k, S’morescoming, or simply attending a football game, there are plenty of events for all to enjoy.

Quadstock

Quadstock is an all-day music festival in the spring and our biggest annual event of the year. Past performers include The Thermals, ok Go, Dev, Macklemore, Ivan & Alyosha and Saint Motel.

Learn more

A group of people with their arms raised.

Christmas Tree Lighting

Get into the holiday spirit with our annual Christmas tree lighting! Gather on campus and enjoy the beauty of the season.

RedhawkTHON

Dance to make a difference! RedhawkTHON is a student-led dance marathon event that benefits Seattle Children's Hospital's Uncompensated Care Fund and Cancer Immunotherapy Research.

Learn more

International Dinner

Experience the delicious food cultures of Seattle U’s international students! Every winter, this highly anticipated event brings us together around a table to eat delicious food and enjoy splendid company.

Learn more

Hear from our student Naho Umitani

Naho Umitani

“I love S’morescoming! It’s such a lovely time making S’mores with friends and getting to know new people”

Graduation Date: 2026

Our Mascot: Rudy the Redhawk

Rudy the Redhawk is the official Seattle University mascot. You can find Rudy at athletic games, hanging out in the Student Center or just walking to class. Not shy at all, Rudy loves to take photos w

Request Rudy at your event

Hawks UP!

We’re all Redhawks here. The “hawks up” is a great way to show your Redhawk spirit! Do this during free throws at basketball games, in photos with other students or during other special moments.

How to do a Hawks UP!:

Hold your right hand up in front of your face, palm facing you. Hold it there.
Take your left hand, palm facing you, and cross it in front of your right hand linking your thumbs.
Hawks up!

The Seattle U Fight Song

Let's give a cheer for Seattle, Ol' Seattle U  
Show them the fight of the Red and White  
They will win for you  Fight, Fight, Fight  
Over the foes we're victorious and victory is our cheer
So let's give a cheer  
For the whole gang is here  
To cheer you, Seattle U!  
S-E-A-T-T-L-E FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT  
S-E-A-T-T-L-E FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT  
Over the foes we're victorious and victory is our cheer  
So let's give a cheer for the whole gang is here to cheer you, Seattle U.
GO REDHAWKS!

Visit Seattle U Athletics

How We're How We're Different

$17k+

Number of Dollars Given Annually

During the RedhawkTHON

1,882

Number of students served

SEAC: 969 | RedZone: 678 | RedhawkTHON: 235

Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about student involvement at Seattle University, contact:

Center for Student Involvement