Traditions
At John Carroll University, tradition isn’t nostalgia—it’s how community shows up. From Jesuit rituals that mark each new year to campus moments that only make sense on the Heights, these touchstones connect generations of Blue Streaks.
Blue & Gold, Blue Streaks, and Lobo
Blue and gold are the visual heartbeat of John Carroll—on uniforms, regalia, signage, and the small details that signal campus pride. The palette ties together academics, athletics, and student life, showing up at the moments that matter most.
“Blue Streaks” is the name our teams and fans rally behind—short, memorable, and unmistakably ours. The nickname travels from Don Shula Stadium to classrooms and concerts, a banner for the energy that runs through campus life.
Lobo brings Blue & Gold spirit to games, welcomes, and big campus moments—photos on the Quad, high-fives at move-in, and hype on game day. A campus favorite, Lobo turns shared moments into traditions.
Tower Time
Midweek pause, campus-wide. Wednesdays by the clock tower on Saint Ignatius Plaza: coffee, conversation, and a 30-minute reset that keeps community at the center of the week.
Convocation
Our formal welcome to the incoming class—the moment the year truly begins. Faculty and student leaders gather to mark the start of your JCU journey with reflection and a shared call to learn, serve, and thrive.
Mass of the Holy Spirit
Jesuit universities begin the academic year with this tradition. Carroll gathers at the Church of the Gesu to ask for wisdom, community, and renewal—often followed by time to reconnect on the Quad.
Welcome Back Concert
An early-semester, student-led show that turns the Quad into a stage—familiar covers, new favorites, and a shared kickoff for the year.
Parent & Family Weekend
A full-campus return to the Heights: tailgating by the Quad, alumni awards, arts and athletics events, campus tours, and Cleveland outings—designed for current students, families, and alumni.
Homecoming
A full-campus return to the Heights: tailgating by the Quad, alumni awards, arts and athletics events, campus tours, and Cleveland outings—designed for current students, families, and alumni.
The Pacelli Lion
A stone lion near Pacelli Hall serves as a living canvas. Student groups add new layers of paint to celebrate events, causes, and campus creativity—an “only at Carroll” landmark.
Reunion
Every summer, JCU’s reunion weekend brings together alumni from around the world who remain deeply engaged—mentoring, giving back, and staying connected to the Blue Streak community.
Commencement
The year opens in community and closes in celebration. Convocation welcomes the incoming class; Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement on Hamlin Quad mark the finish—and the start of the next chapter.
