History and Traditions

The university began in 1889 as the Colorado State Normal School, established to prepare teachers for Colorado’s public schools. It became Colorado State Teachers College in 1911, Colorado State College of Education in 1935 and Colorado State College in 1957 before adopting its current name in 1970.

In 1914, alumnus Andrew Thompson sent a totem pole from Alaska to campus. Nicknamed “Totem Teddy,” it became a defining symbol of UNC spirit and the origin of the Bear mascot, standing on campus for nearly 90 years.

Learn more about Totem Teddy.

The university’s Homecoming tradition began in 1923 when the football team faced Montana State. Today, Homecoming remains a cherished tradition that brings together generations of Bears through celebration, connection and school pride.

The Alumni Association began recognizing distinguished alumni for their professional achievements and service to their alma mater, establishing a tradition that continues today.

The UNC Alumni Association was founded in 1965, with Greeley businessman Charles Lott serving as its first president and Mearl Grabill as its first executive secretary. A year later, under the leadership of alumna Judy Farr, the UNC Foundation was established to support and steward philanthropic investments in the university.

In 1970, the university’s name became the University of Northern Colorado, reflecting decades of growth in academics and enrollment.

In 1976, UNC’s official colors changed to blue and gold from the original purple and gold.

Did you know?? A campus myth claims that former head football coach Bob Blasi purchased navy blue jerseys after laundering caused the purple ones to fade. This caused a domino effect and the new color scheme was quickly adopted by the other coaches.

Learn more about the Blue & Gold Club.

UNC marked its centennial in 1989 by celebrating 100 years of excellence and honoring 100 distinguished alumni for their contributions to their professions and the university.

In 2014, UNC celebrated its 125th anniversary, honoring a shared history and the impact of alumni across generations. Then in 2015, the Alumni Association marked its 50th anniversary with campus events and monthly celebrations highlighting alumni engagement and pride.

Officially announced in 2017, the Campaign for UNC was the university’s first comprehensive public fundraising campaign. With a goal of raising $45 million and engaging 10% of alumni, it concluded on December 31, 2018, strengthening philanthropy, participation and volunteerism across the Bear Network.

UNC welcomed President Andy Feinstein at the start of the 2018–19 academic year, marked by major alumni events including the Colorado Road Show, Presidential Investiture and the Campaign for UNC celebration.

The year exceeded campaign goals, with more than $54 million raised and over 12,000 alumni engaged. President Feinstein also reintroduced the Class of 1910 motto, Rowing, Not Drifting, as the theme for the university’s 10-year strategic plan — a call for the entire Bear community to move forward together.

UNC celebrated its 100th Homecoming during Family & Friends Weekend, October 9–15, 2023, honoring a century of tradition and Bear pride.

“Ah! Well I Remember” was created in 1937 by James De Forest Cline, who led the music division from 1923 until he retired in 1949.

Ah! Well I Remember, Friends of “Purple and Gold.”
Friends met in September, Pledging their Faith to hold.
Gone, Friends of September, Gone dear friends of old.
Time never shall sever, Friends of “Purple and Gold.”
Time never shall sever, Friends of “Purple and Gold.”

The fight song, played by UNC’s marching band Pride of the Rockies during home games and performances, is well known to UNC Bears.

On down the field we go to victory, the colors navy blue & gold.
And to our fighting team we hold our spirit high.
The mighty Bears are we …. GO BEARS!!
Fight, fight to win each battle fairly,
The only way we e’er shall be,
We shout out the name,
To keep the fame and glory to old U-N-C!

Remember the peal of Westminster chimes from Gunter Hall, UNC’s iconic central campus building?

Remember how they sang to you? How they got you to class on time and hurried you across campus to dining halls or football games? The campus ringtone still plays every 15 minutes from Gunter Hall.