by Natalie Owens '24

Friday, September 1 is National College Colors Day. The University of Mount Union has been known for its bright purple and white colors for over 100 years. But did you know how we became known as the Purple Raiders?  

Prior to 1901, the colors that ruled campus were actually colors of lavender and turquoise. But later in September 1901, when the Mount Union football team, while traveling to Oberlin to play a practice football game, the football manager realized they had forgotten to bring anything with the school colors, lavender, and turquoise on it. He rushed to the nearest dry goods store to purchase ribbons with the team’s colors. Neither color was available, so instead the team manager purchased purple, leading to the school colors of today.  

The Mount Union campus is colored purple and white. From the student apparel in class, to the field on game day, the Mount Union students, staff, faculty, and alumni wear purple and white proudly.  

“Purple and white means home to me, the place I found my passions and friends,” said Carla Nicoletti ‘21. “I am proud to be a part of Mount Union’s community because I never feel alone. There are so many of us out there, supporting each other, Raiders helping Raiders.”  

These traditions at Mount Union run strong and the colors of purple and white have helped create a diverse community of students, staff, faculty, alumni, family, friends, and fans. 

"To me, the colors purple and white mean comfort and that you’re home,” said Gracyn Sage ‘24.  

The colors of purple and white may be just that, colors, but what they represent is even bigger.  It’s a community bonded and committed to each other.  

How can you celebrate National College Colors Day? Show your collegiate roots by wearing purple and white in support of Mount Union on Friday, September 1. By wearing purple and white you can share in the memories and traditions of the university you call home.