Campus 411
stuff you never knew about LSU
by Rebecca Markway
How many war memorials are on campus?
There are currently four war memorials on campus.
The Aircraft Memorial is a T-33 jet on the stadium grounds which honors LSU graduates who died in defense of their nation during the jet age. The LSU War Memorial is LSU's newest military memorial. It is located on the Parade Ground and honors LSU alumni, faculty, staff and students who served in military conflicts from World War II through Desert Storm. Many of these individual's names are enscribed on the monument's wall.
The Memorial Oak Grove is the area of 30 oak trees encircling the LSU Union. Twenty-nine oaks were dedicated to a soldier who gave his life in service to America. One oak is dedicated to The Unknown, representing all soldiers who are missing in action.
The Memorial Tower is the most prominent of these memorials. It is a 175-foot tall campanile built to memorialize the 1,447 Louisiana soldiers who died in World War I.
What is the Tiger Rag?
The Tiger Rag is a flag diagonally divided with the state crest in the center. LSU's colors and logo decorate the upper slice, while Tulane's original colors (light blue and olive green) and logo are found on the lower half. Tulane claims the flag was destroyed in a fire decades ago, but rumor contends it was stolen. The Rag was recreated in summer 2001 by LSU's and Tulane's Student Governments and is awarded to the winner of the LSU/Tulane football contest.
Tiger Rag also is included in the custom-designed pregame routine performed by the LSU Tiger Marching Band. To begin the show, the band plays a slow rendition of "Tiger Rag," which is repeated four times to salute all four sides of the stadium.
Who are the people in gold caps and robes at graduation?
These are the Golden Tigers, LSU alumni who participated in graduation 50 or more years ago. The LSU Alumni Center inducts a new "class" of Golden Tigers on their 50th graduation anniversary. In celebration, the honorees dress in golden caps and robes, sit in a special section and are honored during the spring graduation ceremony. The "graduates" also are invited to a campus tour and banquet.
Where did LSU's Alma Mater originate?
LSU's current alma mater was written by Lloyd Funchess and Harris Downey in 1929. The two students developed the original song and music because LSU's first alma mater was sung to the tune of "Far Above Cayuga's Waters," which also was used by Cornell University.
How can I find out more information about LSU history and traditions?
The above facts and more information about LSU history and traditions can be found in the 2002-2003 "L" Book. Students may pick up a copy in the Student Government office, located on the third floor of the LSU Union next to the computer lab.