Key IU fi gures to know

Traditions and events you can’t miss out on

Fans supporting their teams at the Women’s Little 500 race at the Bill Armstrong Stadium on April 22, 2022, are pictured. Melanzana Cycling placed rst in the race.

IDS FILE PHOTO BY DEEPAK SINGH BHADORIYA

By Lexi Lindenmayer

lindena@iu.edu | @lexilindenmayer

In its 200 years, IU has established many traditions and events to represent the spirit of the University. If you are looking for ways to really feel like a Hoosier, consider trying some of these traditions with you and your friends.

IU Dance Marathon

One tradition you cannot miss is the IU Dance Marathon, where students dance for 36 hours straight for the benefit of Riley Hospital for Children. However, there is so much more than dancing. The marathon is filled with other activities like a basketball tournament, raves, meeting the Riley families and more. As the second-largest student-run philanthropy in the world, IU Dance Marathon has raised more than $46 million total for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. This year, the IUDM 2022 will be held from Oct. 29-31.

Little 500

Often referred to as “The Greatest College Weekend,” IU students look forward to Little 500 every year. There are two bike races, one men’s race and one women’s race. Teams of four ride laps around Armstrong Stadium while students and fans cheer them on. Little 500 will be held April 21-22, 2023.

Shaking Herman B Wells’ hand

From Ernie Pyle in front of Franklin Hall to Hoagy Carmichael by the IU Auditorium, there are countless statues across IU’s campus. The most notable statue is of former IU president Herman B Wells and is associated with a classic IU tradition. If you are stressing about a test and studying doesn’t seem to be enough, consider shaking Herman B Wells’ hand for that extra bit of luck.

Showalter Fountain and Eskenazi’s lights

Taking a dip in Showalter Fountain is something every student has to do before they graduate, according to tradition. Whether you decide to do it in the warm daylight or in the freezing cold night, it is a must for every student. If you do decide to do it in the evening, walk over to the side of the Eskenazi Museum of Art and prop your feet up against the wall, lit by colorful lights. Snap a picture and post it to your Instagram to really feel like a Hoosier.

IDS FILE PHOTO BY ETHAN LEVY IU senior Brett Ekenberg reacts as he gets his head shaved at the IU Dance Marathon on Oct. 30, 2021, at the IU Tennis Center. A group of participants lined the stage to get their heads shaved.