By Adriana Rangel
College Night is over a 100 year old tradition that Montevallo students participate around every February.
For new students, you may have a ton of questions. What is College Night? What is a GV or PV? How do I get involved? Well, here is everything you need to know about this special event.
Introduction to College Night:
The first ever College Night was in 1919. It started as an event meant to help celebrate the introduction of a 4-year college curriculum and classes competed against each other. In 1921, students were divided into the two teams we know today: Gold Side and Purple Side.
Up until 1953, students were originally assigned their side and they would change sides every other year; but now, students can choose what side they will show their support to.
Dr. Jeff Walker, the author of “College Night: A Centennial Celebration”, says “College Night is tricky to explain. It’s something you really need to see to fully understand.”
College Night has grown more and more over the years to become the spectacle we see today. It is Montevallo’s version of a homecoming which includes weeks of athletic competitive activities, events and the main event: two shows put on by each respective side.
Walker says “…There’s really nothing like it. There’s no other homecoming tradition like it anywhere else. But even that doesn’t capture everything about it.”
College Night week is usually on the second week of February.
Purple vs. Gold?
Each side has a unique song they sing at events. Both sides sing their anthem while linking hands in a circle.
Gold will leave an empty spot in their circle because “There’s always room for one more Gold.”
Purple has a complete circle because “A united circle is a united side.”
At the end of these songs, you can expect to hear “What’s it gonna be?” which will be answered with either “PV” or “GV”. PV stands for “Purple Victory” and GV stands for “Gold Victory”. Purple side will hold up a peace sign and Golds will hold up a thumbs up.
Purple’s mascot is a cow and Gold’s mascot is a lion. Purple’s colors are purple and white and Gold’s are gold and black.
But, how do you know which side you belong to?
“Some people choose because it’s where their friends are,” Walker says, “Some people choose just because it feels right. Or some people join just because there’s an opportunity there for them. And there’s really no wrong way to do it- it’s just what feels right to them.”
Going to purple and gold side mixers and speaking with other members is also a good way to figure out what side you belong to. These mixers are had throughout the fall. If you’ve missed out on those, going to different College Night events and the musicals will help you decide what side is right for you.
Walker suggests, “The best way to do it is to just go to College Night, talk to the purple and gold leaders and see if you want to be in the shows, be in the orchestra or if you just want to go and support.”
Activities/Schedule:
The weeks leading up to College Night are filled with many activities.
For example, College Night sign raising happens outside of Farmer where each side creates a small billboard that represents what their show will be about. There is also a ribbon hanging where students will purple and gold ribbons across campus. There is also many athletic competitions.
Look out on Gold or Purple social medias or your university newsletter for specific dates.
Payoff:
The main event is the two musicals created by each side. This is held in Palmer Hall.
The musicals are all student produced. Students act, sing, direct, build the sets, create costumes, and more.
To crown a winner, unbiased judges review both shows and add up the points each side has won from the athletic competitions. The winner will be revealed during an ending speech where both teams wait anxiously to hear if their team has won.
When it is announced, that side erupts into celebration. The effects of College Night last a lifetime according to those who experience it.
Walker says “What’s great about college night is it has that unifying experience that even someone who played in the ’80s and someone who played in the 2010s both have that in common and they can relate to that experience.”
If you’re interested in attending, tickets are on sale now. The show will also be live streamed if you can not attend in person.
“If you have never lived through one — never cried, laughed, and sweated through one — know this: It is the crest of the wave of college spirit; it is the peak of attainment in every activity on campus; it is the high spot that will stand out in your mind as meaning ‘college,’ when all the rest has faded.” — The Alabamian, February 1931
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