College Colors Day declared a statewide event

On Aug. 21, Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation officially naming College Colors Day a statewide event to be celebrated on Aug. 29. 

College Colors Day is a national tradition held the Friday before Labor Day dedicated to showing school spirit and celebrating the impact of higher education. College Colors Day encourages not only students, but also faculty and staff, alumni and fans to wear their college’s colors. 

In Alabama, College Colors Day is sponsored by the Higher Education Partnership, which is an organization that advocates for the importance of higher education. 

“College Colors Day highlights the fundamental importance of Alabama’s public universities to the prosperity of our state,” said Jayden McQueen, SGA executive vice president and senior political science major from Crestview, Florida. “The goal is for the state leaders and legislators to understand the value of higher ed in the state.”  

Associate Dean of Student Services Dr. Korrie Lynn Williamson shared a similar explanation. 

“In summary, the goal of College Colors Day is just to provide that awareness of the importance of public universities across the state and for us that love Troy so much, just establishing that stream of cardinal across campus,” Williamson said. 

Student leaders and mascots from each public university in Alabama joined Governor Ivey on Proclamation Day, including Troy’s own SGA and T-Roy. 

“I’m very excited that I was able to go to the capitol steps proudly wearing my Troy colors and really show how much Troy means to me,” said Caleb Smith, SGA president and senior risk management and insurance major from Gadsden, Alabama. 

McQueen shared a similar sentiment. 

“It was great to be acknowledged by the governor,” McQueen said. “Representing ‘the school we love’ means showing up and showing Trojan Pride in all spaces all the time, especially in front of state leaders and decision makers.  

“It is important to express how grateful I am for the many experiences and opportunities I have had during my time at Troy.” 

Williamson shared her hopes for students participating in this tradition. 

“It’s the first football weekend, and we want to get students excited as we kick off the most fun time of the year,” Williamson said. “Hopefully for our freshman on campus, they’re starting to see and feel the love that everyone has for Troy.  

“I hope that continues for many years to come and that they are just soaking this moment up and enjoying it.” 

Smith shared his view on the event as a student himself.  

“I remember participating in College Colors Day as a freshman, and now I get to go stand next to the governor as she proclaims it a statewide event as a senior,” Smith said. “It was really just a full circle moment.” 

Troy University collaborates with the Higher Education Partnership on various events throughout the school year. Anyone interested in staying updated with future events can follow @higheredpartners and @troysga on Instagram.