University
Traditions of University
Alumni Awards
At the annual UNT Alumni Awards event, we recognize alumni and friends of the university
for outstanding achievement, service and support. Recipients of the awards are nominated
by alumni, faculty, staff and friends of UNT. The most prestigious award, the Distinguished
Alumni Award, has been presented since 1965. Also presented are the Distinguished
Young Alumni Award, the Outstanding Alumni Service Award and the Ulys Knight Spirit
Award. More information can be found at untalumni.com. Photo from the 2014 Alumni Awards.
University Day
This spring event commemorates our change from a college to a university. First celebrated
in 1961, when our name changed from North Texas State College to North Texas State
University, the event includes a flag parade, music, food and celebrations of our
history and traditions.
Honors Day
The annual Honors Day ceremony recognizes outstanding students and other members of
the university community selected by individual colleges, schools, departments and
organizations. The Meritum chapter of the Mortar Board honor society began the Honors
Day tradition in 1950. Today, the event is co-chaired and co-sponsored by the Division
of Student Affairs and the Honors College.
Golden Eagles
Each year, UNT recognizes a new Golden Eagles class, alumni who are celebrating the
50th anniversary of their graduation. Our annual Golden Eagles program takes place
during Homecoming weekend and provides the newest Golden Eagles with a place to reminisce
and re-connect. Photo from the Golden Eagles 1991 Homecoming.
Alma Mater
Our alma mater, “Glory to the Green and White,” was written by two students and adopted
in 1922. The words were by Charles Langford (1902-1931), who attended from 1920 to
1923. He was a baseball and football star who became a yell leader after he was sidelined
by an injury. The music was composed by Julia Smith (1905-1989), who earned her degree
from the college in 1924. She was known for her musical abilities and played saxophone
in the band. She later gained national fame as a composer and concert pianist. The
words to the alma mater were changed as we became a university.
Today, we sing:
Glory to the Green and White
Singing glory to the green,
Singing glory to the white,
For we know our university
Is striving for the right.
Down the corridor of years
We’ll forget the joys and tears,
But North Texas, North Texas, we love!
Flight Memorial
An annual Flight Memorial ceremony honors students, staff, faculty and alumni who
have died the previous year. During the ceremony, which takes place each spring, the
names of our fallen Eagles are read aloud and the bells of McConnell Tower toll in
tribute. Throughout the year, when the university learns of a current student’s death,
the UNT flag is flown at half-staff as a sign of respect and a signal to the UNT community
that we have lost one of our own.
Farewell Toast
A new annual tradition, the Farewell Toast, was added for the Spring 2022 commencement
season. This free event — limited to graduates of a specific current academic year
year — is an opportunity to enjoy one last event together as a class. Held at the
Alumni Pavilion, the event includes live music, hors d’oeuvres and a special toast
with the official UNT Alumni Association wine — sponsored by Cassara, an alumni-owned
winery — (or another beverage of the graduate’s choice).
Ring Ceremony and Eagle Ring Dive
UNT’s Ring Ceremony and Eagle Ring Dive, hosted by the UNT Alumni Association, is
held at the Library Mall fountains about a week before every semester’s commencement
ceremonies. Each participating student selects a loved one to present their class
ring in recognition of the role family and friends play in a graduate’s UNT journey.
After learning about the symbols featured on the rings, students submerge their rings
in the fountains. At the end of the event, the McConnell Tower is illuminated green
to celebrate the graduates' academic victories.