As I was sitting in my room talking to my friend about DU, we both came to the conclusion that our school has great academics but is very lacking in school spirit. School spirit is shown through athletics, student organizations and student-wide events.

While we can gather a small crowd for a DUPB movie, or a Greek event, the crowd is nothing compared to that at most schools around the nation.

As a member of the Residence Hall Association, I have gone to several conferences with representatives from colleges in the Rockies, and I realize how pathetic our school spirit really is. To most DU students a hockey game is about as spirited as we can get, and even then there are students who don’t even go to our school showing more school spirit for our hockey team than we do.

Turn on any college sporting event and you will see half naked boys with their bodies painted with their school colors, or girls sporting signs and cheering.

As far as cheers go, we don’t have one unless you count “DU DU DU” as an adequate cheer. Supposedly we have a school song but how are the incoming students to know that, if it is never taught to them?

I say that it is time that we implemented school spirit days, or teach the incoming first-year students the old traditions. Or perhaps we can come up with new traditions, because if we don’t they will die.

School spirit comes from having pride in your school. Are we all so ashamed of DU that we dare not to show it? You don’t have to be loud to show your spirit.

Even supporting and attending events like “Bridges to the Future,” DUPB movies, and Residence Hall events can help improve our school spirit. And if you don’t like the kinds of events that are going on around campus, then it is your responsibility to actively seek change.

Let’s bring back school spirit, but remember it is up to you to start the change, because one person can always make a difference.