History
Homecoming Weekend is designed for alumni and students, but all members of the Loyola community are welcome. The weekend had its origins in the Fall Fest/Frolic of the late 1950s and 1960s when the campus community took part in a float parade and bonfire to usher in the new basketball season. Today, Homecoming is anchored by Midnight Madness and the 50th reunion (Half-Century Club Mass and Brunch) as Ramblers of all ages come together for a weekend of activities and reunions that celebrate our Rambler pride.
To get ready for a fun maroon-and-gold weekend, here are a few things you should know...
Why Ramblers?
As the only collegiate program with the nickname "Ramblers," the question is often asked as to why that sobriquet was picked. The origin goes back to the days when football was king at Loyola. Prior to the 1920s, all athletic teams were merely assigned the school colors instead of a nickname - thus, all teams were known as the "Maroon and Gold." In 1925, the football coach, along with the student newspaper, conducted a contest to name the football team. The winning entry was "Grandees," tying in to the Spanish origins of St. Ignatius of Loyola. However, that name did not catch on in the following months.
In 1926, a more informal but much more binding process finally gave Loyola's teams their nickname - Ramblers. That year, the football team traveled extensively across the United States, "rambling" from place to place for games, thus earning the nickname "Ramblers." Despite the fact that football was dropped as a varsity sport in 1930, the nickname Ramblers is still proudly carried by today's athletic teams at Loyola University Chicago.
Who is LU Wolf?
After Loyola retired Bo Rambler in 1990, the current mascot was introduced and named LU Wolf, in recognition of the animal's association with St. Ignatius.
What is the Loyolan?
The Loyolan was the official yearbook of Loyola University Chicago, published on and off from 1924 to 1986. Digitized through the University Archives and the CARLI Book Digitization program, these volumes contain a wealth of information about the growth of Loyola, the activities of its students, as well as writings by students. Visit our online yearbooks.
What are the words to the Loyola fight song?
Cheer for old Loyola.
Fight for victory.
Spread her fame and her fair name with constant loyalty.
U Rah Rah!
Cheer our alma mater, laud her sons so true.
Onward to victory Loyola U!
What are the words to the Loyola Alma Mater?
Hail to you, all praise to you, Loyola, Loyola.
Voices strong our alma mater hail.
Sons and daughters everywhere Loyola, Loyola.
Pledge to you, our love will never fail.
So we rise to honor you Loyola, Loyola.
God be with you, our alma mater hail.
Hail to you, all praise to you, Loyola, Loyola.
Mother, mentor, guardian, loyal friend.
Duty, honor, goodness, and truth Loyola, Loyola.
These you taught us boldly to defend.
So we sing our thanks to you Loyola, Loyola.
God be with you, ever to the end.
The Aca'fellas, Loyola Chicago's only all-male a cappella group, surprised incoming students with a remix of the alma mater at Freshman Convocation last fall. Listen here.