Welcome to the School of Wolf Pack-ology
Welcome to the school of Wolf Pack-ology. To earn a degree, you must master an intricate and precise lexicon known to all Nevada fanatics, who often use many of these phrases and words in their everyday lives. If you are silver-and-blue stubborn and insist on spelling the word "love" as "U-N-R," if you demand that the United Nations appoint Rich Taylor the world's "Friend for Life" after his more than 35 years in the Geography Department, or that no streak — including DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak — compares to Joe Crowley's record-setting 23 years as president, this list is for you. If you know more than 75 percent of the items listed below, you can rightly take a place at the same dinner table and break bread with football coach Chris Ault, who once equated the color red with three things: “The Soviet Union, the devil and UNLV.”
Alphie
Nevada's wolf mascot. Alphie replaced cousin “Wolfie” as the institution's mascot earlier this decade following Wolfie's reign that began in the 1970s.
ASUN
Associated Students of the University of Nevada. The student government.
campus on the hill
Campus nickname, derived from the fact that the historic end of campus was literally built on a bluff overlooking the town or Reno.
The Cannon
The symbol of rivalry between the University of Nevada and its rival from southern Nevada, UNLV. The Fremont Cannon is a replica of the cannon that accompanied Captain John C. Fremont on his trek through Nevada, Oregon and California in the mid-1840s. The winner of the annual football game between the two schools is awarded the cannon, which is painted the winning school's color for the remainder of the year. The Cannon has been painted the appropriate for the past two years.
Coffin and Keys
Super secret organization that was through the 1960s considered a legitimate service organization on campus. It has since gone underground, and often creates pamphlets that lampoon University administration, faculty, sports figures and participants in student government.
Core Curriculum
The University’s core curriculum consists of a minimum of 33 credits, selected from the following area of study: English, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Core Humanities, Capstone Courses, Diversity.
Church Fine Arts
Named in honor of the distinguished Nevada professor, J.E. Church, who pioneered the study of snow science in the West and was a classics professor at the University for more than 50 years. A common mistake in the 1970s, 1980s and into the 1990s was to call this building the “The Church of Fine Arts.”
Cygnets
Baby swans living at Manzanita Lake. For decades, pairs of swans have made their home on the waters of Manzanita Lake, including today a 21-year-old swan named Olivia. Not far from Manzanita is a family of horned owls, who live in the 65-elm trees surrounding the Quad.
Dead Day
The day immediately preceding finals week. Students eagerly await this day as it signals a well-earned 24-hour break before embarking on the rigorous schedule of finals for both the fall and spring semesters. Many students actually study during this 24-hour period.
Frandsen
The Frandsen Humanities Building was built in 1917-18, and was originally home to the College of Agriculture. It was renamed in honor of Biology profess Peter “Bugs” Frandsen.
G.D.I.
A term roughly translated to mean, “Gosh Darn Independent,” referring to a group of students, mostly male, who disdain Greek activities on campus. This group often competes in intramurals against Greek teams.
IMs
Intramural competition, ranging from flag football to basketball to Wallyball. IM aficionados scour their fraternity, sorority or residence halls for former high school athletes who can help further the cause on the playing field. Lee Newell was the campus’ longtime IM director; today, the estimable Steve Pomi and Jim Fitzsimmons continue the IM legacy at Lombardi Recreation.
LincolnHaller
A term from the 1960s that remains alive today. It refers to residents of Lincoln Hall. You are a “Lincoln Haller” if you live in Lincoln Hall (the term can also refer to a resident of Lincoln Hall who is quite loud). Former residents of Lincoln Hall often begin a conversation with someone they may or may not have known on campus by asking, “Were you a Lincoln Haller, too?”
The “N”
Painted symbol of the University, located just north of campus on the flanks of Peavine Mountain. Fraternities and sororities often travel to “The N” to repaint its distinctive rocks during Homecoming and Mackay Week.
New Student Opening Ceremony
A candlelit event held each August at Lawlor Events Center to welcome all new students to campus.
Old Gym
Technically, the name has been the Virginia Street Gym for several years, but to many campus occupants and visitors, it's still the “Old Gym.” Home to Wolf Pack basketball through the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Mackay
Depends on what you’re talking about. There is Mackay Science, located on the Quad. There is also Mackay Stadium, home to the football Wolf Pack. There is Mackay Mines Building and the John Mackay statue, located less than a minute’s walk from Mackay Science. None of these structures are to be confused with the Mack Social Science Building, unless you really want to confuse yourself.
Pfaffed
For more than 40 years, Mathematics Professor Donald Pfaff has taught thousands of University of Nevada, Reno students the rudiments of college-level math. To get “Pfaffed,” is to know that you learned your math well, from a master teacher who prefers down-home Hawaiian shirts to stuffy textbook pretext.
Pride of the Sierra
Affectionate name for the University’s marching band.
Pull a Fazekas
To win at something. Phrase is in deference to Wolf Pack men's basketball senior center Nick Fazekas, whose appearance on campus three years ago has led to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Sweet Sixteen in 2004. Prior to his arrival on campus, Nevada hadn't been to the Big Dance since 1985.
Sagebrush
Award-winning, student-produced newspaper, capturing all of the events and news on campus for more than 100 years. Formal title: The Nevada Sagebrush.
Sierra Spirit
Free bus service provided by the Regional Transportation Commission from campus to downtown venues, including many of the casino buffets. [More info]
Snow Bowl I, Snow Bowl II
There were two major “Snow Bowls” in Wolf Pack history. The first occurred during a Division I-AA playoff game against North Texas State in 1983. The second occurred during a Division I-AA playoff game against Arkansas State in 1986. Though played three years apart, the games were eerily similar. Poor weather in the form of wind and snow provided the difference in 1983 as Nevada kicked a game-winning field goal in overtime; in 1986, thanks to equally poor conditions, an Arkansas State extra point was blocked, giving Nevada the win. Nevada players warmed themselves on the sideline in 1983 by setting a trash can on fire.
Thirteen
An important number for the University. The University’s longest-serving president, Joe Crowley, was the 13th president in school history. The University’s exit from Interstate 80 is Exit No. 13. The phrase “Pack beats UNLV” has exactly 13 letters.
The Quad
The football field-sized University Quadrangle is home to spring commencement each May. It is modeled on Thomas Jefferson's design of the University of Virginia Lawn. [Read more]
The ‘Wal
Little Waldorf Saloon. Nearby eatery and libation center that has faithfully served Nevada students, faculty, staff and alumni before, during and after football games and other sporting events since the administration of Calvin Coolidge.
Wolves Frolic
An event during Homecoming weekend that traces its roots back to the 1920s, when a night of skits with vaudeville flavor was held. Today it includes a large bonfire and pep rally.