Freshman O Book 2021

TALK LIKE AN EAGLE
Here is a helpful list of common words and phrases used by the Winthrop
community that you may hear around campus.
Convocation: As a Winthrop tradition that began with the
university’s first president, David Bancroft Johnson, Convocation is
a ceremony always held before classes begin at the start of each
academic year. The president convenes the new class to offer them
an official welcome to Winthrop, and Winthrop alumni relate how the
Winthrop experience has shaped their experience after graduation.
See you at Convocation 2021 during Welcome Week in August!
Blue Line: Established in 1895 by
President Johnson, the Blue Line is
among Winthrop’s most cherished
traditions. Originally, the female
students were led in two lines
down Oakland Avenue where they
could attend any one of the many
churches along the street. The
procession of students dressed
in blue and white uniforms was
led by the President on the
first Sunday of the academic
year and eventually became
known as the “Blue Line.” When
the uniform policy ended, the
tradition lost its identity,
but in 1983 President
Lader revived the
Blue Line. Today, the
President leads the
Blue Line to the
Convocation Picnic. Snap a
picture as you walk with your fellow Eagles to
the community picnic in your Blue Line t-shirt during Welcome Week
in August!
Big Stuff: Winthrop’s official mascot; take a selfie with Big Stuff
when you see him around campus! In 2010, Big Stuff was named
one of the top mascots in the nation by the National Cheerleading
Association.
Cultural Events: Winthrop University strives to offer its students a
setting in which they can mature culturally, as well as intellectually.
In an effort to provide a well-rounded education and foster a lifeenriching
pattern of cultural involvement, students are required to
attend Cultural Events in order to graduate.
DIGS: Pronounced “digs,” this moniker was given to the DiGiorgio
Campus Center, which was named after Winthrop’s ninth president,
Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio.
Garnet & Gold Fridays: Show your Winthrop spirit by wearing your
Winthrop gear every Friday during the academic year! The Student
Alumni Council awards prizes for wearing school colors and issues
“citations” for those wearing a rival school’s gear.
Homecoming: Homecoming includes a variety of activities: alumni
events, athletic games, tailgating, themed parties, student talent
shows, a step show, and special performances. Homecoming
kicks off basketball season in the fall. During half-time of the
men’s basketball game, distinguished students are crowned as
Homecoming Court.
Welcome Week: The first week of the school year kicks off in
August with residence hall move-in. Welcome Week is full of
entertaining and educational activities and events to welcome new
students to campus. Many Welcome Week events are also Cultural
Events. Find more information on the Welcome Week website (www.
winthrop.edu/welcomeweek).
Dear New Students,
Once again, welcome to Winthrop and the best times of your life!
With love,
Erin Emiroglu, Chair, Council of Student Leaders (CSL)
Miguel Caldwell, Vice Chair, Council of Student Leaders (CSL)
Welcome to Winthrop! We are so excited to have you here, and it is our hope that you are just as excited to
be here.
Winthrop is a place where everyone can find and create their space. There are so many opportunities that
await you at your new home, but it is going to be important for you to go after those opportunities. You are
strong, you are smart, you are capable, you can make it happen. New environments can be intimidating
however, we know that you are capable of handling it! If you weren’t capable, you wouldn’t be here.
These next years are going to be crucial in the foundation of your future. Therefore, let’s work to craft the
best experience possible for you! As you progress in your time at Winthrop, you will quickly learn why
we call this place home. This is now your home too. You have only cracked the surface of all that you are
capable of. Allow Winthrop to be a vehicle for your continuous elevation. We are here, along with countless
others, to aid you in your growth. Don’t be afraid to use your voice, your resources, and your experiences to
create the best Winthrop possible. We are rooting for you.
3