Pride and Traditions
Montclair is full of traditions that bring our community together and keep Red Hawk Pride alive. Discover the moments, symbols and celebrations that make being a Red Hawk unforgettable.
Traditions are the moments that turn campus into a community. Whether it’s showing your Red Hawk pride, joining campus-wide celebrations or taking part in long-standing rituals, these traditions create a sense of belonging that lasts well beyond your time here.
You’ll see that spirit everywhere: wearing red on Fridays, learning the Hawk hand gesture, taking photos with the Red Hawk statue or cheering alongside Rocky at major events. Annual traditions like Homecoming and Red Hawk Day bring the campus together, giving you countless ways to get involved, make memories and feel like part of something bigger.
Show Your Red Hawk Spirit
The Hawk Gesture
One of our favorite campus traditions — the Hawk Gesture is the American Sign Language sign for “hawk.” You can throw it up at games, events and anytime you want to show your Red Hawk pride.
The Red Hawk can be found between Cole Hall and Panzer Athletic Center.
Visit the Red Hawk Statue
Standing 12 feet tall, our bronze Red Hawk statue has become a true campus landmark. Since its installation in 2015, it’s one of the most recognizable — and most photographed — spots on campus. From first-day-of-college selfies to cap-and-gown graduation shots, it’s the backdrop that’ll follow you through your Montclair story.
Get a Picture with Our Mascots
Rocky the Red Hawk isn’t just a game-day hype machine — he’s everywhere! And he’s not alone. You’ll spot Rocky, Roxy, Deacon, and even Pebbles the Pupscot all over campus, jumping into photos and spreading Red Hawk spirit wherever they go. Follow them on Instagram to keep up with their latest appearances and antics.
Listen to the Alma Mater
Sing the Alma Mater
Written by Evelyn Hock Walter 1925, Montclair’s Alma Mater has been sung by generations of Red Hawks. It’s a tribute to our campus, our community and the pride we share in wearing the scarlet and white.
Wear Your Montclair Gear
Show your Red Hawk Pride loud and proud. Grab hats, hoodies, t-shirts, socks and more at the Montclair State University Bookstore — perfect for game days, spirit days or just repping your campus every day. And on Fridays, the tradition goes campus-wide: wear your Montclair gear to “paint the campus red” and score 10% off at the bookstore while you’re at it.
Paint a Campus Rock
Montclair State University was literally built on a rock quarry — and that history lives on through one of our most colorful campus traditions. Scattered across campus, our large painted rocks showcase the creativity and pride of student organizations, athletic teams, cultural groups, and University departments.
Any group can request a rock and make it their own, designing a mural with their colors, messages, or logos. The artwork changes throughout the year as new groups add their voice to the landscape, turning campus into a living gallery of Red Hawk spirit.
Want to find them all? Check out the Campus Rock Map to explore every rock’s location and see how students have made this tradition uniquely Montclair.
Celebrate World’s Fair Day
Every April, the Alumni Green transforms into a vibrant outdoor festival for Montclair’s World’s Fair Day — a celebration of the cultures, identities, and communities that make our campus feel like home. You’ll get to sample free food from around the world, enjoy live performances, and hear from cultural student organizations that you can join. It’s one of the most joyful days of the year, and a highlight of the Montclair experience.