Just for Fun

Explore this page for campus video tours, interviews with College of Science and Engineering students, U of M history, and more ways to immerse yourself in the reunion experience!

From the Archives: Photos and “Year in Review” recaps

Campus history map and virtual tours

Explore campus from the comfort of your home via the following resources:

• Take a look inside of some of our CSE students’ favorite facilities in a virtual campus tour video.
• View campus history through time using an interactive application that includes maps, aerial images, building photographs, and data layers.
• Take an interactive virtual campus tour.
• Watch a student-led Minneapolis campus video walking tour.
• Watch a student-led St. Paul campus video walking tour.

Hear from current CSE students

• CSE Student Voices video series—CSE students share their experiences at the University of Minnesota.

• Why I Chose My Major video series—CSE students describe how their academic programs are a good fit.

College of Science and Engineering history

For over 85 years, the College of Science and Engineering (formerly the Institute of Technology) has pioneered in research, innovation, and technology. Take a look at the college’s first 75 years, including your time at the U, in this special 75th anniversary edition of Inventing Tomorrow magazine.

U of M history and tradition (courtesy of the Office of Admissions)

• Goldy Gopher: The state of Minnesota has many nicknames, one of which is the "Gopher State." In the 1920s, the U of M football team began to refer to themselves as the "gophers," and the name stuck! Goldy is one of the most energetic mascots in the country, and consistently ranks among the best college mascots. Many students rub the Goldy statue's teeth for good luck before a big test or athletic event. Read up on Goldy's history!

• Ski-U-Mah: Ski-U-Mah (pronounced SKY-YOU-MAH) is a cheer Gophers have been screaming since 1884, when two Minnesota rugby players, John W. Adams and Win Sargent, created the word as a new rugby team cheer. The word caught on and was eventually incorporated into both official school songs, “Hail Minnesota” and more commonly in the “Minnesota Rouser.”

• University of Minnesota Marching Band: Officially started in 1892, the Minnesota Marching Band is one of the most vibrant and visible organizations on campus. With more than 300 members, the "Pride of Minnesota" performs at all home football games and at an annual indoor concert at Northrop Auditorium. Pep bands perform at basketball, hockey, and volleyball events throughout the year as well. Check out the UMN Marching Band website!

• Spirit Squad: Did you know organized cheerleading started at the University of Minnesota? In 1898, U of M student Johnny Campbell offered to lead cheers at football games. After Campbell and his "yell leaders" pepped up the crowd during a 17-6 Gopher victory over Northwestern, the tradition of cheerleading was born. That great tradition continues today, with the cheerleading and dance teams performing at all home football games and many hockey and basketball games.

In fact, the U of M dance team is one of the top in the nation, with over 19 UDA National Championships. In 2019, the U of M All Girl Cheer team took second place in the nation, with the Coed Cheer team taking home 10th. Now that is something to cheer about!

• Minnesota Rouser (University of Minnesota Fight Song): The Minnesota Rouser was the result of a Minneapolis Tribune newspaper contest in 1909 to come up with a fight song for the University. Sung at all sporting events, the Rouser is one of the best traditions in all of college sports!

Listen to the Minnesota Rouser, as performed by the University of Minnesota Marching Band.

Minnesota, Hats off to thee!
To thy colors, true we shall ever be,
Firm and strong, united are we.
Rah! Rah! Rah! for Ski-U-Mah,
Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah for the U of M.
[Repeat]
M - I - N - N - E - S - O - T - A!
Minnesota!
Minnesota!
Yeaaaaaaah Gophers!