At Bluefield State, we know history. Founded in 1895 by the good people of West Virginia with the purpose of service, the Terraced Hills on our Campus Beautiful continue to embody a community dedicated to educating and preparing future leaders. Our traditions bring the community closer together and have established the great pride that students and alumni have in being members of the Big Blue Family.
Matriculation
The beginning of a student’s academic journey at Bluefield State begins with our traditional Matriculation Ceremony. During Welcome Weekend, all first-year students gather for this ceremonial event that marks the official start of their time at the University. In addition to the official welcoming ceremony, new students recite the Matriculation Oath and are invited to sign the Matriculation Pledge, signifying their commitment to Bluefield. New students and their families are the honored guests at this important campus tradition.
Welcome Week
Welcome Week is the official kick-off week for the academic year and the first major program students experience at Bluefield State. Each year the week is filled with activities to make new friends, get acquainted with the campus, take the traditional class photo, and have lots of fun before the semester gets frantic.
Homecoming
Bluefield State is your home away from home. Our alumni are thrilled to come back during Homecoming each fall semester to catch up with classmates, friends, faculty & staff, see what has changed, what has stayed the same, and explore the Bluefield community. The Homecoming Court and the crowning of the King & Queen is a tradition that has a long history at the University for popular students each year, along with various class reunions, the tailgate parties, and the traditional home football game. BSU Homecoming is a weeklong celebration for our entire campus community.
Sir Blue
Sir Blue is Bluefield State University’s official mascot and biggest cheerleader – our well-known Blue Great Dane who is a beloved presence at BSU sporting events and campus activities. Sir Blue appears at as many university functions as possible. University-sponsored activities, like summer Freshman Orientation programs, BSU Welcome Week, as well as athletic events, take priority. When you see Sir Blue at an event – don’t be afraid to say hello or grab a photo!
Almost Midnight Breakfast
Every semester students take a break from studying and enjoy the company of their classmates at the Almost Midnight Breakfast each semester. Members of the Bluefield State faculty and staff serve a free late-night breakfast to students in the University Dining Hall before the first day of Final Examinations.
Sing the Alma Mater
Bluefield State Alumni Eugene Jones ’38, penned The Bluefield State Hymn in 1935 and since that time has been performed by students and alumni at numerous campus events for decades. Students and alumni show their pride when performing the great Hymn both on and off campus.
Once again, thy name we raise
In accents loud and clear
Sing we ever more thy praise
Bluefield, our school so dear
High upon thy terrace hill
We see thee strong and true
And our hearts with courage fill
Our School, Old Gold and Blue
Upward through the years we’ll clime
While ever lifting thee
Thy precepts always in mind
Honor and loyalty
Men may come and many may go
And passing through the gate
Feel within their hearts aglow
For thee dear Bluefield State
Hamilton Hatter Scholarship Luncheon
Held each February during Black History Month, the program honors the co-founder of Bluefield State with a luncheon and presentations to students receiving scholarships from loyal donor’s and supporters of the University. In 1895, Governor Virgil A. Lewis chose Hamilton as the first principal of the school because of his educational experience and leadership in southern West Virginia.
Annual Awards Banquet
Sponsored by the Division of Students Affairs and the Student Government Association, the Annual Banquet recognizes current students, staff members, and recognized student organizations for academic excellence, leadership, service, and overall achievement during the year. Awards include the Nathan Cook Brackett Outstanding Student Leader of the Year Award, named in honor of the co-founder of Bluefield State, and the William H. Ross Outstanding Student Leader Award, named in honor of the first student at the school. Held every April, this popular campus tradition is one not to be missed!
Commencement
University Commencement is the honored tradition at Bluefield State held at the end of each spring semester. The formal celebration at which degrees are conferred upon graduating students, commencement is the annual event not to be missed by students, families, and friends. The ceremonial mace, our ornamental staff, is carried by designated students and university officials at the head of the academic procession as part of the formal academic ceremony. Caps and gowns are worn at Commencement to symbolize unity and academic achievement.
