Feeling the Teal of Tradition

Strong and lasting traditions are an important component of a successful university. Coastal Carolina University became an independent public institution of higher education in 1993, and that new beginning brought new traditions.

The university seal designates the institution’s founding year and incorporates the campus symbol, the Atheneum. The seal is seen throughout our campus and symbolizes proud traditions of CCU.

The University mace was commissioned by the Horry County Higher Education Commission and was presented to the university in 1997. The mace is used at all of our convocation ceremonies and is traditionally carried by the senior member of the faculty at the head of the academic procession. The mace can be seen in a glass display in the Wall Boardroom where Feel the Teal hosts CCU History and Traditions trainings (Feel the Teal® Module no. 4).

A more visible Feel the Teal tradition that we see on campus is the celebration of our colors, teal and bronze. Teal Tuesday began in 2012 thanks to student Mary Ewen ’12, who came up with the idea to boost school morale and pride through wearing teal on Tuesdays. Teal Tuesday has grown in participation over the last four years, and I am proud to say that on any Tuesday here at CCU, our campus truly appears to bleed teal! What makes me smile is when I see teal not only on our campus, but around our local community and also when I travel nationwide. Teal Nation is growing!
This tradition of teal is relatively new compared to the University seal and the mace, but it is strong. I encourage everyone to continue to wear your teal not only on Tuesdays, but with any opportunity you have so that others can Feel the Teal as well!

Sincerely,

CCU President David DeCenzo, Ph.D.