As a college student there can be days that are difficult with the feeling like you’re all alone. We have all felt it and, especially on large campuses, it can be hard sometimes going throughout your day and maybe not talking to a single person. For that very reason, Auburn University has created a day to promote a friendly atmosphere to all students throughout campus called “Hey Day”! It is a day for celebration for all students, faculty, and alumni to unify what we call the Auburn Family. I am excited to be able to share the history and tradition behind one of the best days at one of the best universities in the country!

The History

Hey Day has been happening since the end of World War II. It started when soldiers were coming home from war and Auburn students wanted to come up with a way to properly greet them, thus creating Hey Day. It grew into an annual tradition throughout the 1950s and 1960s, but ended in the 1970s. Hey Day was reinstated in January of 1985 and has been a long-standing tradition for 69 years now.

The Tradition

Hey Day has evolved over the years from students simply wearing name tags and greeting each other with “hey” to a full day of festivities. It’s usually scheduled mid-semester during the first week of October. Early in the morning, volunteers set up stations throughout campus to hand out name tags and doughnuts for breakfast. Hey Day t-shirts are also sold. As the day continues, so does the fun with a big party on the greenspace in the middle of campus. Many attractions are featured, including camels, puppies, photo booths and more. Plus, there are tons of food options available – hot dogs, pizza, cookies, and drinks – to continue the community aspect with eating together. Everyone enjoys watching student dance groups such as the cheerleaders, Auburn hip hop dance team, AU Rhythm, and the Tiger Paws perform throughout the afternoon. It’s just one big party for the whole campus!

During Hey Day, the Auburn family is promoted and encouraged to join together no matter where you’re from or who you are! We may have one special day a year set aside for this very reason, but I know many students, faculty, and alumni strive to keep the atmosphere alive throughout the entire year.  It’s part of our creed to “believe in Auburn and love it.”