UWF Traditions
Defining Argo Spirit
These traditions and events help shape the Argo experience for our campus community. No matter when your journey at the University of West Florida began, we each have shared traditions that tie us together.
Becoming Argonauts
Current students, alumni and others from the UWF community remember the moment they officially became an Argonaut. The term “Argonaut” was voted from the first student body in 1967 to represent the University’s mascot. The term is based on a story in the Greek mythology saga of Jason and the Argonauts and their “search for the Golden Fleece,” representing adventurous individuals seeking new experiences and challenges.
The anniversary of the University’s groundbreaking on April 16, 1965, is honored annual during Founders Week. This is a time for Argos to share school spirit and give back to the community through annual events like Day of Giving and Day of Service.
The week leading up to the Homecoming football game each fall is an exciting time on the UWF campus. From cardboard boat races, Colchis, the Golden Fleece challenge, alumni events and the Homecoming royalty announcement, there are opportunities for all Argos to have fun and get involved before the big game.
Cannon Green is named after Annin’s Cannon, an 18th-century, British, 32-pound garrison gun thought to have been part of a battery that guarded the entrance to Pensacola Bay. The item was retrieved by a student from Pensacola Pass in the 1970s. Cannon Green is the backdrop of many annual student and University events throughout the year.
The annual event CAB After Dark, hosted by the Campus Activity Board, is the most significant event CAB hosts and attracts more than 500 attendees. Members of the UWF community can expect a night full of fun, laughter, connections and celebration of the Argo Spirit at one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Songs of UWF
Alma Mater
The official anthem of any educational institution is the alma mater and is played at the University’s most prestigious events, including commencement. UWF’s official alma mater was composed by Dr. Lynne A. Lauderdale and Dr. Algirt Mike Yots in 1989.
Fight Song
At a 2017 football game, the official Argo Fight Song was introduced via a recording played over a loudspeaker. Now, the band brings to life the words and music, which were written by Dr. Joseph T. Spaniola, professor and director of music theory and jazz studies and professional composer. Learn more or download it by visiting uwf.edu/fightsong.
Building Blocks of Tradition
UWF was founded on key ideals represented by our iconic symbols.
Since UWF’s founding, the Nautilus Shell has been the institution’s official emblem. It is an icon that represents the history and soul of our rich and storied past and a future brimming with possibility and potential. The modernized iteration of the Evolving Nautilus Shell stands as a symbol of evolution and the power each of us has to make an impact on campus, in the community and around the world. Its likeness is ingrained in UWF architecture, signage and branding for the University.
Inspired by the blue of the sky and the green of the sea, UWF’s vibrant colors are hard to miss on campus, at sporting events and throughout our community.
Argo Dollar
Since 2021, each graduate is offered a dollar to make their first gift back to their alma mater. The initiative, sponsored by Members First Credit Union, is meant to set a precedent of lifetime philanthropic efforts toward the causes that our graduates are passionate about.
Argo Walk
Ahead of every football game, the players, cheerleaders, band members and fans participate in the Argo Walk to wish luck to the athletes before their games. This tradition instills a culture of support, enthusiasm and dedication for Argo Nation.
