Those things we all love to hate
1. Purdue vs. IU Rivalry
The in-state rivalry between Purdue and Indiana is long, storied, and — at times — controversial. Several traveling trophies have emerged to honor the victors of annual Purdue vs. IU matchups.
Old Oaken Bucket — The bucket itself is more than 150 years old. It was found in a bad state of repair, covered with moss and mold, on a farm in southern Indiana after the Chicago alumni groups of both schools enthusiastically decided in 1925 that a trophy for he winner of the gridiron clash would be appropriate. The first game ended in a 0–0 tie, resulting in the “I-P” link attached to the bucket.
Monon Spike — The spike was chosen to symbolize the Purdue-Indiana volleyball rivalry because it represents the competition on the court as well as the rich railroad history of the state of Indiana. It was taken from the Monon Railroad, which originated in Indiana in the late 19th century. Like the Old Oaken Bucket, a “P” or an “I” link is added to the chain signifying the season’s winner.
Barn Burner — Beginning with the 1993–94 season, the Purdue and Indiana women’s basketball teams have played an annual game for the Barn Burner trophy. The traveling trophy is a wood plaque with a drawing of a barn and an attached basketball hoop.
Golden Boot — A gold-dipped soccer shoe is on the line each time the Purdue and Indiana women’s soccer teams meet. Both coaching staffs collaborated on its design. The winning team takes the trophy home and adds a letter to the chain attached to the boot. The date and score of the match is engraved on each letter.
2. Math Building Tunnel
Indiana winters are cold and blustery enough on their own, but a little help from the Math Building’s infamous “wind tunnel” really turns the Arctic effect up a level. Designed to allow pedestrians passage, it prompts students to pull their coats and scarves in even tighter when they dash to and from class.
3. Stinky Trees
Complain all you want, but with a lifespan of 3,000 years, these “stinky trees” will probably outlast you. While the smell in the fall is unpleasant when they start losing their fruit, ginkgo trees are tremendously resilient against extreme weather conditions like heat and pollution.
4. No A/C in Dorm Rooms
Air-conditioning didn’t make it to Purdue’s residence halls until 1993. If you were able to benefit from cold air during your time on campus, give a big thank you to summertime conferences held on Purdue’s campus. As air-conditioning became a standard amenity, conference organizers started looking elsewhere to avoid the sweltering heat of summertime in Indiana. Hillenbrand became the first residence hall to feature air-conditioning, but other halls were soon retrofitted. Today, approximately 80 percent of Purdue’s student rooms use air-conditioning instead of box fans for cooling.
5. Indiana Weather
It might be 95 degrees and 100 percent humidity when you move into your dorm when you arrive on campus in August. Enjoy it while you can, and start learning how to use the tunnels before necessity drives you to them. Indiana weather is known for its extremes, and winter is no exception. Good luck getting class canceled for snow or cold weather. Purdue has only canceled class eight times in more than 30 years.
6. Exams on a Lap Board in Elliott Hall of Music
It’s a rite of passage for underclassmen to take an exam in Elliott Hall of Music, balancing a lap board on their knees. Special lighting was added to the auditorium to brighten up the space, allowing students to more clearly see their work.
7. Final Exams on Saturday Morning
Exams are hard enough on their own. There’s nothing worse than having to take your exams on Saturday, the last day of finals week. While your friends are on their way home for the holidays, you get to put in some last-minute cramming on Friday night.