Brenau Traditions

People know Brenau University for its beauty, history, and traditions. From May Day, to RATT Week, and even freshman orientation, Brenau students leave the legacy of tradition for all of the students to come. Here are some of Brenau’s most popular traditions!

RATT Week

Welcome to My RATT House! During this tradition, the sophomore class quiz the freshman on Brenau traditions. The best part about the entire week is that the freshman students dress like rats during the event. This tradition is significant because it gives freshman the opportunity to learn a lot of information about Brenau’s history.

May Day

May Day is an alumnae celebration! On May Day, the alumnae of Brenau are welcomed back to see old classmates, sorority sisters, and embrace the new students who fill their old shoes.

Current students get to participate in May Court. The freshman, sophomore, and junior classes vote to choose four students to represent each class. The senior class make up the May Court Royale. During the voting process the second runner up is crowned Princess. The first runner up is crowned Prince. The winner of the class vote is crowned May Day Queen. The entire May Court is escorted down the path on the front lawn in dresses chosen by the Queen, while alums and current students listen to the announcer list their accolades.

Gold Refined by Fire Ceremony

The Gold Refined by Fire ceremony is held every year during freshman orientation. During this ceremony, the incoming freshman class write their individual goals down on their own piece of paper. The Senior Honor Society lead them to a fire pit to drop it in the fire. Freshmen are then handed a copy of the Brenau Ideal to keep. This tradition is important because it signifies how when they graduate in four years, their goals will be “gold refined by fire.”

Agnes the Ghost

If you visit Brenau, you will probably hear something about Agnes. She is the Ghost that haunts Pierce Auditorium. Agnes was a theatre major at Brenau. It is said that after the grief of falling in love with her married vocal coach, she committed suicide. Some say she drowned in the pool below the stage in Pearce Auditorium, and others say that she hung herself. Either way, people claim that they have experienced her presence. Students have never had a negative encounter with Agnes.

Engagements lead to the Fountain

An old tradition of Brenau is whenever a student gets engaged to be married, she is thrown into the water fountain located on the front lawn by her friends. This is one tradition that some women at the Women’s College look forward to experiencing one day!

 

To learn more about Brenau traditions, contact Director, Center of Greek life and Campus Traditions, Debbie Thompson.