UTSA’s home to more than 100 unique traditions, and we’re making new ones every year. Here’s a quick rundown of some of UTSA’s greatest traditions.
>> Learn about traditions you'll only find at UTSA Commencement.
1. Birds up!
Roadrunners have been using this hand sign to show their UTSA pride for decades. Its origin is a mixture of myth and memory, but Roadrunners all over the world know exactly what to do when someone yells “Birds up!” Next time you hear “Birds up!” at a game, event or just in passing, toss up the Roadrunner hand signal to share your UTSA pride.
2. The Fountain of Luck
Sombrilla Fountain is easily the most iconic landmark at UTSA. It stands in the middle of Sombrilla Plaza and brings a certain beauty to the Main Campus’ most popular hangout. But it’s also known for its luck-bequeathing powers. Campus superstition says that if you touch the fountain wall during finals week, you’re on track for good grades on your exams. It’s a double-edged sword, though. There’s also a legend that if you touch the wall any other time of the year, you’re asking for bad luck.
3. ¡Viva Fiesta!
San Antonio’s most cherished tradition is Fiesta—a weeks-long spring celebration of all things San Antonio. It shouldn’t be any surprise then that UTSA’s also a hotspot for Fiesta festivities. UTSA is home to Fiesta UTSA, a daylong fair that takes place in the Sombrilla and features food, music, medals, cascarones galore and special appearances by Fiesta Royalty. UTSA’s also a mainstay at nearly every Fiesta parade—keep an eye out for the UTSA floats, and tweet as they go by.
4. Milagros
UTSA has heart! Thirty-one hearts, to be exact. Hidden in plain site on the facades of Downtown Campus buildings are 31 bronze hearts sculpted by alumna Diana Rodriguez Gil MFA ’86 for her “Milagros” art project. The hearts, scattered across the grounds, are said to represent the love and dedication that characterizes the UTSA community. It’s a common game for new 'Runners to explore the campus and try to find them all.
5. The Bridge of Love
The bridge connecting the Arts and Flawn Sciences Buildings is more than just a way to get across Main Campus. It’s also helped form love connections, giving it the name the Bridge of Love. Legend has it that in the mid-70s, this bridge was the site of an epic Roadrunner Love story.
Two students named Julie and Jason fell for each other but were separated when Jason was sent to war. When the pair were finally reunited, they met at the middle of that bridge. On Valentine’s Day, UTSA students meet up on the bridge in a bid to find their own Jason or Julie.
6. Roadrunner Call
One of the newest UTSA traditions is the use of wooden castanets to simulate the sound of a Roadrunner’s call. UTSA Roadrunners and friends often bring them to athletic games to show their school spirit by making some noise, and, occasionally, distract visiting teams during scoring opportunities. After all, this is Roadrunner Nation.
As for the other 94-plus traditions? Well, you’ll have to figure those out for yourself. It’s what makes being a Roadrunner so fun. (Hint: You can read the Fall 2015 issue of Sombrilla Magazine for a detailed history of how UTSA’s traditions came to be.)
Once you think you’ve mastered UTSA’s traditions, be sure to take our quiz to test your knowledge.
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UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
De-stress during Finals Week with UTSA Libraries' Relaxation Stations, located at John Peace Library on the second floor, and at the Downtown Library. The Relaxation Stations will include puzzles, coloring and more from Dec. 6-Dec. 14.
John Peace Library, second floor and Downtown Library, Main and Downtown CampusesThis UTSA student exhibit features the work of anthropology students who have examined the effects tourism has on local culture.
UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures, Hemisfair CampusStudents from grades 9 to 12 at Brooks Academy of Science and Engineering delved into their family histories and turned their family photos into artworks.
UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures, Hemisfair CampusThe first ceremony begins at 10 a.m. honors graduates from the College of Architecture, Construction and Planning, College of Business, College of Education and Human Development and College of Public Policy.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St., San AntonioAt 4 p.m., the second ceremony will be held to honor graduates from the College of Engineering, College of Liberal and Fine Arts, College of Science and the University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St., San AntonioUTSA's John Nix invites the community to sing "Amazing Grace" and “We Shall Overcome” at 11 a.m. on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The intent of this nationwide effort is to honor Dr. King's legacy and to spread a sense of community in the United States.
Locations throughout the United StatesThe annual event features authentic foods, music, dance, martial arts, shopping, games and entertainment from China, to the Indian Sub-continent, and the island nations of the Pacific. The Festival features two stages, a martial arts demonstration area, children’s hands on crafting area, anime activities, bonsai and ikebana displays, mahjong table and more.
UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures, Hemisfair CampusUTSA Day is an Open House and one of the best ways to see what it is like to be part of the UTSA Family! Schedule a visit the way you want, based on your interests and time. Learn more about the next steps on becoming a Roadrunner!
Various locations, Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
