Inclusion, Unity, and Fun: Introducing Orange and Blue Days
Members of the Gettysburg community show their spirit on an Orange and Blue Day (Photo Shawna Sherrell/Gettysburg College)
By Gracie Meisner, Staff Writer
At Gettysburg College, a new initiative seeks to foster school spirit and unity on campus in a fun and inclusive manner.
Spearheaded by Vice President for Enrollment and Educational Services Carey Thompson, Orange and Blue Days take place on the first Friday of each month, encouraging Gettysburg College students, staff, alumni, members of the community, and anyone else who wishes to participate to don blue and orange clothing and accessories to show school pride.
“We started Orange and Blue Days on the first Friday of October this semester with an administrative steering committee. They are a brand new thing at the college. It’s a good way to celebrate some school spirit, it’s fun, and we’ve got great colors. The whole idea is for Orange and Blue Days to be something simple and enjoyable. Everyone can participate to their comfort level,” said Thompson.
In addition to fostering school spirit, Thompson feels that Orange and Blue Days can help restore the sense of unity and togetherness that was challenged by COVID-19.
“Orange and Blue Days are certainly about school spirit, but also unity. [COVID-19] has been hard on everybody, and this is a way to look in a new direction and allow the college and greater Gettysburg community to rally around something positive,” said Thompson.
Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Coordinator for Multicultural Admission, and Intercollegiate Athletics Liaison Darryl Jones notes that inclusion is a guiding principle of the initiative, and bringing all members of the community into the celebration is the ultimate goal.
“A lot of our staff participated in our first two Orange and Blue Days, and the athletic department tends to rock orange and blue every day. But now alumni are starting to pay attention, and what we’re trying to do is get the rest of the institution to have the same spirited look,” said Jones.
Thompson acknowledges that the newness of the initiative and its grassroots nature means it will take time for the Gettysburg community to learn about the event and participate in it, but recognizes the steps that the school has already taken in embodying it into the culture.
“It’s going to take time. We’ve only had two Orange and Blue Days so far, and it takes time for any new tradition to get on its feet. There’s no budget behind this, it’s an organic movement. I’m hoping that by the spring semester, this becomes something that everyone feels we’ve always done. But I’m excited that Servo has figured out orange and blue desserts, and I’m happy the bookstore is looking for ways to have orange and blue apparel and hopefully discounts the day before,” said Thompson.
While Ava Collin ’25 didn’t previously know about the initiative, she looks forward to participating in the next Blue and Orange Day.
“I feel that showing school spirit makes a campus feel like a community. It makes Gettysburg feel like a welcoming place to go to school,” said Collin.
Ultimately, Jones empowers the student body to take charge of Orange and Blue and empower one another to participate in it.
“Talk to each other. Use it as a way to say ‘Look, let’s show some school spirit at least on the first Friday of the month,’ and then maybe eventually it’ll become every Friday. Tell each other to wear orange and blue and sit in the stands at a game or attend an event. Pride creates a positive vibe,” said Jones.
This article originally appeared on page 19 of the December 6, 2021 edition of The Gettysburgian’s magazine.
