Poster: "Hey, Tradition and community form identity!"
Hey Day is one of Auburn University’s most important traditions. It started in
1947 after World War II. At that time, many new students came to campus including soldiers
returning from the war. Because of this, students did not know each other that well. Auburn
created Hey Day to help students meet and feel more connected. On this day, students wear name
tags and are encouraged to say hey to everyone they come across.
This tradition shows how Auburn worked to rebuild a strong campus community after the war,
Across the United States, colleges were changing because of the GI Bill, which brought many
veterans into higher education. At Auburn, Hey Day helped bring students together during this
time of change. It made the campus feel more friendly and welcoming for all students. This
connects to a larger theme in American history like how people rebuild in the community after
major events like war.
Primary sources help show how Hey Day has changed over time. photos from the late 1940s
show small groups of students wearing simple name tags. Student newspapers, like The Auburn
Plainsman, describe how the event encouraged students to speak to each other. These sources
show that the main goal of Hey Day has always been to help students connect.
Over time, Hey Day has grown into a larger campus event. Today, student groups, campus
leaders, and many organizations take part. There are planned activities, and many students join
in. Even though it is bigger now, the main idea is still the same. Students are encouraged to be
friendly and get to know one another. This shows how traditions can grow while still keeping
their original purpose.
Hey Day is important because it helps build a shared identity at Auburn. Traditions like this
connect past and present students. When students take part in Hey Day, they are joining
something that has been happening for many years. This helps create a sense of belonging to the
university.
In the end, Hey Day is more than just a fun event on campus . It is a way Auburn builds
community and keeps its history alive. It shows how traditions can shape campus life and bring
people together. Even as Auburn continues to change, Hey Day remains an important part of its
campus history today.