Traditions
Our Fight Song
Having a fight song is vital for students, fans, alumni and community members to showcase school pride. What's unique about our fight song is that although it was newly established in 2018, it is thought to have been created before 1963.
As part of an effort to reignite school spirit and standing traditions, our UMKC Athletics Department collaborated with several offices around campus and dug into the university archive. What they discovered was a non-dated version of the Kansas City University fight song, titled "Kangarooters."
Although the "Kangarooters" instrumental version is different from the current fight song melody, UMKC Athletics used these lyrics as inspiration for the creation of the new fight song. The newly enhanced fight song will be a mainstay at all home athletics events from now in to the future.
Our Hand Sign
A newly adopted tradition in 2018 is the UMKC hand sign, which means Roo Up. It's created by holding the index and pinky fingers up – portraying the ears of a Kangaroo – and meeting the ring finger, middle finger and thumb in front – portraying the nose of a Kangaroo.
You'll see Roo Up displayed all over campus and at sporting events to showcase our incredible Roo pride.
Our Alma Mater
Our alma mater was written by Bill Hathaway and brothers Vincent and Edwin Robbins and sung first to the Men's Glee Club back in 1940. In tandem with our newly established fight song, the UMKC Alma Mater is sung at all UMKC home sporting events to bring all members of the Roo family together in a spirited embrace.
From blue Midwestern sky
Sun shines like gold
Proud place where dreams are
Built mem'ries unfold
As with those who've gone before
We will ever be
Singing to the blue and gold of UMKC"
Listen to our 2017 Conservatory Concert Choir sing the Alma Mater on the UMKC Choirs Facebook page.
Our Colors
Back when UMKC was still establishing itself as the University of Kansas City, or UKC, the students were busy working to establish a new identity. In 1934, the student council named "old gold and royal blue" the official school colors, which stand today.
Roo Blue is a symbol for trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith and truth. UMKC Gold represents honor and loyalty.
Roo Blue Fridays
On Fridays we wear Roo Blue to support our KC Roos.
Our Mascot
In 1937, before an athletics department was even established, Kasey the Kangaroo – who we know and love today as the KC Roo – became the official mascot of UKC.
But what makes our Roo so magical?
It has a little something to do with the magic-maker himself, Walt Disney, who drafted the original version of Kasey. Although our mascot has evolved over time, you can still catch the Classic Roo on t-shirts, posters, and other merchandise.
Blue and Gold Week
Roo Nation pulls out all the stops during our long-standing tradition known as Blue and Gold Week. During the last week in October, students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and the community commemorate the university's anniversary.
Events and activities are hosted on our two campuses and throughout the Kansas City community – everything from alumni concerts, athletics games, art exhibits and trivia nights to haunted campus tours, speakers, volunteer events and the annual Regalia Run.
Traditions Challenge
Are you ready to make some memories while learning more about UMKC? Take the Traditions Challenge.