Central Traditions
Since opening its doors in 1892, Central Michigan University’s proud history has been filled with traditions, songs, legends and even its own vocabulary.
How do you catch the Central spirit? Join the student section during a football game or the Rose Rowdies for a basketball game. Get to know CMU’s history or the history of our neighbors, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Or just sit back, relax and get to know the faces you see everyday on campus. It’s easy here – just smile and say, “Hey.”
- Read up on popular campus traditions
- Enjoy Central’s annual school spirit events
- Figure out CMU jargon here
- Explore CMU’s history
- Find out what it means to be a CMU Chippewa
- Visit the Fire Up Chips! Web site
CMU songs
- CMU fight song (The Fighting Chippewa)
(1:09; Howard Loomis, arr. by Norman C. Dietz; The Chippewa Marching Band, Jack Saunders, director; © 1966 renewed 1994 Neil A. Kjos Music Co. Used with permission 1997.) - Alma Mater
(1:25; Words and Music by Ruth Mavis, ’29; The CMU Concert Choir, Nina Nash-Robertson, conductor) - Hail to the Chippewas
(1:14; Norman C. Dietz)
Leaders Wanted
Discover your leadership skills through our programs, designed to enhance your personal leadership style.
Read More