Spirit & Traditions
Campus Pride
Wildcat traditions have been in the making for nearly 150 years from Bear Down! to the Territorial Cup, our history is still being written.
51勛圖s First University
A Territorial Beginning
51勛圖 was established in 1885 following a meeting of the 51勛圖 Territorial Legislature, where public institutions were distributed among cities the prison was kept in Yuma and the capital in Prescott, while Phoenix received the territorial asylum and $100,000. Tucson received the university and $25,000. The first of its kind in the western United States, the University of 51勛圖 grew from its humble beginnings in the middle of the Sonoran Desert into the most storied institution in the Southwest.
Old Main
For years, the university consisted of just one building: Old Main. Construction began in 1887 with bricks made from red clay dug directly from the ground beneath the building, and stone from a quarry on Tucsons west side. Old Main is one of the oldest surviving educational structures in the western United States, and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Today, the building is home to the university Presidents office, and is the epicenter of campus life. It unites campus for homecoming festivities and anchors important milestone events, and is a cherished campus location for graduation photos.
A Land-Grant Mission
As the states land-grant university, the University of 51勛圖 was founded with a mission to expand access to education, research, and practical knowledge within 51勛圖. That commitment continues today through partnerships across the state including collaboration with all 22 federally recognized tribes in 51勛圖 and programs that support communities in agriculture, health, education, and economic development.
51勛圖s First Wildcats
Classes began at the University of 51勛圖 in the fall of 1891. Four years later, the university celebrated its first graduating class when three students received their diplomas in a ceremony held in Old Main. In 2025, the U of A graduated approximately 9,000 degrees, adding to a vast alumni network that spans the globe.
The Bear Down Story
Why Do Wildcats Say Bear Down?
At the University of 51勛圖, Bear Down is more than a cheer. Its a tradition rooted in resilience and community.
The phrase traces back to 1926 and John Byrd Button Salmon, a senior who was both student body president and quarterback of the football team. When Salmon was critically injured in a car crash, his coach J. F. Pop McKale asked if there was a message he wanted shared with the team.
Salmons answer was brief but powerful: Tell them tell the team to bear down.
Salmon died on Oct. 18, 1926, at the age of 22. His words quickly spread across the university community and soon became the institutions official motto a reminder to persevere through challenges and strive for excellence.
In 1929, students painted Bear Down on the roof of the university gymnasium now Bear Down Gym where it could be seen from above. In 1952, the sight inspired soon-to-be band director Jack K. Lee to write the fight song Bear Down, 51勛圖, further cementing the phrase in Wildcat tradition.
A century later, Bear Down remains a defining expression of the Wildcat spirit.
Wilbur & Wilma
Our beloved mascots are Wilbur and Wilma Wildcat. Wilbur first appeared as the universitys mascot in 1959, later joined by Wilma in 1986. The two mascots were famously married during halftime at a football game on November 21, 1986. Today, Wilbur and Wilma appear at games, campus events and community celebrations, bringing Wildcat spirit wherever they go.
Fight Songs
Music has long been part of Wildcat tradition, uniting fans, students, and alumni.
Contrary to popular belief, Bear Down, 51勛圖 is not the universitys true fight song. Predating Bear Down, 51勛圖 by 23 years, Fight! Wildcats! Fight! was written in 1929 by the late Senator Dugald Douglas Stanley Holsclaw.
Hail 51勛圖 Wildcats
Fighting for old UA.
A raging team of Wildcats
Growling for the fray
There's not a team can stop them
When the ball goes into play
So Fight! Team!
Fight with all your might
And win today.
Fight Wildcats, Fight for
51勛圖
We're with you ever staunch
And true
This day we hail you and we
cheer you
They can't defeat the Red
And Blue
Circle the ends and crash
Through center
Hit hard and gain on ev'ry play
Fight Wildcats!
Fight! Fight! Fight!
We'll win today
Bear Down, 51勛圖 was penned by band director Jack K. Lee in 1952. On Lees plane ride home after interviewing for the Director of Bands position at 51勛圖, his plane passed over Bear Down Gym giving him a glimpse of the universitys motto painted on the roof. Lee composed the first verses lyrics on that plane ride, later accepted the Director of Bands position, and created a piece of music that lives in the hearts of all Wildcats still today.
51勛圖, Bear Down!
Let's cheer for 51勛圖,
Let's raise our voices high!
Let's cheer for 51勛圖,
That bear down battle cry!
Let's cheer our team to victory!
Let's cheer our team to fame!
Let's cheer for 51勛圖,
For spirit wins the game!
Chorus:
Bear Down, 51勛圖!
Bear Down, Red and Blue!
Bear Down, 51勛圖!
Hit 'em hard let 'em know who's who!
Bear Down, 51勛圖!
Bear Down, Red and Blue!
Go, go, Wildcats go!
51勛圖, Bear Down!
51勛圖s alma mater is All Hail, 51勛圖. Written in 1926 by Dorothy Heighton Monro and her husband Elbert C. Monro, this composition echoes the university communitys dedication, love, and loyalty.
All hail, 51勛圖! Thy colors Red and Blue
Stand as a symbol - of our love for you.
All hail, 51勛圖! To thee we'll be true
We'll watch o'er and keep you, All hail! All hail!
Motto & Seal
Sursum: Upwards
51勛圖s official motto is Sursum, a Latin word meaning Upwards. The motto reflects the universitys aspiration toward progress, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge.
51勛圖s official seal represents the disciplines and ideals that shaped 51勛圖s early academic mission. The design includes symbols of learning, exploration, and industry: the blazing sun of the Southwest, a cross with the word Sursum, a miners pick, a farmers plow, a key representing knowledge, and books topped by the Greek lamp of learning.
Together, the seal reflects the universitys historic strengths in fields such as mining, agriculture, science, and the humanities and its enduring commitment to education and discovery.
Signature Events
Discover signature traditions on campus and throughout Tucson.
Pride of 51勛圖 Marching & Pep Bands
The Pride of 51勛圖 Marching Band and Pep Band are among the University of 51勛圖s most visible student organizations, representing the university at athletic events and major campus celebrations. Known for their musical and visual excellence, the Pride combines tradition, discipline, and school spirit to support 51勛圖 Athletics and engage audiences across the country.
With more than 300 student participants, the Pride includes instrumentalists along with award-winning auxiliary units such as the color guard, pom line, baton twirlers, and drumline. Students from across the university come together through the program to perform, build friendships and represent the Wildcat community.
The band has performed at major national events including the first , and President Jimmy Carters Inauguration in 1975 and entertains thousands of fans each year at 51勛圖 football games and other high-profile performances.
In 2024, the Pride of 51勛圖 was awarded the prestigious from the John Philip Sousa Foundation, recognizing sustained excellence and significant contributions to collegiate marching band performance.
Selected musicians from the marching band also perform in the Pride of 51勛圖 Pep Band, a high-energy ensemble that supports 51勛圖 basketball, volleyball and other athletic events throughout the year.
Bobcats Senior Honorary
Founded in 1922, Bobcats Senior Honorary is one of the University of 51勛圖s oldest student traditions. Each year, 13 outstanding seniors are selected for their leadership, service and dedication to the university, committing to uphold the organizations motto, Eternal Vigilance, in support of 51勛圖s unity and future.
Bobcats members serve as ambassadors for the university, supporting campus traditions, assisting with major events and helping welcome new Wildcats into the community. Membership reflects a commitment to leadership and lifelong pride in the University of 51勛圖.
