SGA launches Trojan Hand Sign competition

The Troy University Student Government Association (SGA) is looking for submissions for their Hand Sign Competition. 

SGA is asking students to submit creative hand sign ideas that embody the Trojan spirit and reflect Troy’s motto “All Ways Real. Always Troy.” A hand sign is a gesture the Troy community can use to show school spirit at events and in photos. 

SGA President Caleb Smith, a senior risk management and insurance major from Gadsden, Alabama, shared how the competition came to be. 

“Last year, we went to higher education day and our former president, Betsy Bennett, noticed that a lot of different universities had a hand sign, and she realized that we did not have a recognizable hand sign,” Smith said. “In the spring, former President Bennett wrote a memo and went through the chain of command at Troy and up to Chancellor Hawkins who then gave the blessing.” 

SGA asks students to submit a photo or video of their proposed hand sign as well as a description of how the sign represents Troy. The winner of the competition will receive a prize and social media recognition. 

Smith shared how the hand sign can help the Troy community feel more connected. 

“I think it’s just something that everyone can take part in, so if you’re not in the same organizations or in different clubs or classes, we all fall into that same hand sign,” Smith said. “It really just embodies the idea of one Troy.” 

Smith also shared some words of encouragement for students considering submitting.  

“Even if you think it’s dumb, even if you think it’s too simple, even if you think it might not go anywhere, still submit it,” Smith said. “I assure you, it will be a great submission, and we would love to look at it and consider it to be our Troy hand sign.  

Submissions for the competition will be accepted until Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. CST. 

Any student interested in submitting an idea can click the Formstack link included in the email sent by SGA surrounding the competition. Anyone who has other questions regarding the competition can email sga@troy.edu.