University at Buffalo (UB)
Treasured UB Memories
From current students to alumni whose campus days are long gone, Bulls from every era are forever connected. Take a look below at some unforgettable elements of our history to see how UB life has evolved. While much has changed, you’ll find that the spirit of True Blue endures.
A visit to UB isn’t complete without a photo at Baird Point. But these iconic pillars weren’t always a North Campus fixture. They were originally part of the Federal Reserve Bank in downtown Buffalo.
Feeling nostalgic? Check out photos, videos and articles portraying UB’s treasured history—and be prepared to catch all the feels!
On this page:
Spirit Shows in the Clothes
Many UB Bulls can look back and remember their first piece of gear. Whether it's a hoodie, T-shirt, or hat, these blue and white items have brought us together for over a century as a sign of spirit and pride. Read more about this treasured tradition.
Why is UB Blue?
Have you ever wondered where UB’s signature blue and white colors came from? There is a surprising history to our color scheme that includes ribbons, pins, and lapis lazuli. Read more about our blue-and-white origin story.
Living on Campus: What’s Changed—and What Never Will
Have you ever wondered what it was like to dorm at UB 20 years ago? What about 70? Believe it or not, candy and cigarettes were the only refreshments allowed in the main lounge of one of the early residence halls! Read more about campus dwellings through the decades.
A Monumental Moment in True Blue History
UB’s Bronze Bison is more than just a photo spot—it’s a symbol of UB’s essence (though a bison is not, technically, a buffalo). Discover how this larger-than-life mascot has ties to Buffalo’s old Central Terminal and how it found its roaming grounds at Coventry Loop. Read more about everyone’s favorite statue.
![Zoom image: A pre-game parade was an early homecoming day tradition. A 1946 edition of the Alumni Bulletin described the assemblage as “one of the most startling demonstrations of college hoopla ever to disturb Father Buffalo, [as] wildly optimistic students put together a mile-long cavalcade of floats, balloons, ancient and modern vehicles.”](/content/www/trueblue/traditions/_jcr_content/par/image_2094775735.img.original.jpg/1701708700633.jpg)
The History of Homecoming
Fall of 1923 ushered in UB’s first homecoming. As students, alumni, faculty and staff rallied behind UB’s football team, a high-spirited tradition was born. Read more about a century of festivities.
A Bubble on North Campus?
In 1975, shortly after students first took up residence in the Ellicott Complex, an unusual recreational facility opened. Known simply as the Bubble, the spacious inflatable dome housed courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton, tennis and more. Read more about this blast from the past.
Dig This: UB’s First Shovel
Shovels are a ubiquitous presence in Buffalo, but this one has a purpose far more special than removing snow. It has played a role in groundbreaking ceremonies for buildings across UB’s campuses for more than a century—a tradition that continues to this day. Read more about this honored object.
UB Yearbooks
Take a trip down memory lane through the pages of The Buffalonian, UB’s yearbook. Explore decades of history dating back to the early 1900s and see what campus life looked like back then.
Historical Resources
University Archives collects and maintains historically valuable records and other items spanning UB’s 177-year history. From people to sports to buildings, you never know what (or who) you’ll discover!
