Rensselaer students, faculty, and staff are invited to join alumni around the globe in showing their Rensselaer pride on Friday, Feb. 5—RPI Spirit Day. This year marks the fifth anniversary of what has quickly become a popular annual tradition.
Join in the fun by wearing your Rensselaer gear to work or class, and put your pride in your Rensselaer connection on display. Past year’s displays of pride have included various locations, including several foreign countries, and props such as pets, children, flying fish, a Zamboni, and the cockpit of a jet.
Spirit Day has proven to be popular both on campus and with alumni, with hundreds of photos being submitted. A popular way to join in the fun is to gather a group of co-workers, friends, student organization members, or teammates, for a group shot. The photos are shared over social media using the hashtag #RPISpiritDay. As photos come in throughout the day, they will be shared on the Rensselaer Alumni Association Facebook page. The day will also include a contest with three categories: Best Corporate Picture, Best Selfie, and Most Likes. Pictures will be voted on during the following week (Feb. 8-12). The winning individuals and companies will receive a special prize.
“You can participate in Spirit Day by simply wearing something red,” said Jeff Schanz, assistant vice president for alumni relations. “Show the world that you are a proud member of the Rensselaer community! The Rπ Giving Challenge, which kicks off on Feb. 8 and runs through March 14, is another chance to show your pride by supporting current students through your philanthropy.”
You can participate in Spirit Day by simply wearing something red. Show the world that you are a proud member of the Rensselaer community! The Rπ Giving Challenge, which kicks off on Feb. 8 and runs through March 14, is another chance to show your pride by supporting current students through your philanthropy.”—Jeff Schanz
Members of the Rensselaer community are also being encouraged to show their pride virtually by changing their profile pic or avatar to an RPI-related image –several are on the RPI Spirit Day website, or you can create your own.
Spirit Day is taking place in conjunction with Big Red Freakout, which is Saturday, Feb. 6 vs. Clarkson. Get together with some friends to catch the game and the Big Red Freakout Ice House at the Heffner Alumni House and make a whole Spirit Weekend out of it!
If your group would like to run your own Spirit Day-related promotion on campus, or if you need more information, visit the website or email Will Gallagher, Alumni Relations, or call (518) 276-6689.
This year, Spirit Day will mark the kickoff to the Rπ Giving Challenge, which will run February 8 – March 14 (Pi Day). Alumni and friends of the Institute will be challenged to help “Complete the Circle” by giving a gift in support of students. Watch for more information about the Rπ Giving Campaign on social media, the Web, and in your email.