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Members of the 1911 student body march up a dirt path through the weeds to Taylor Hall.

125 Years of Western Logo

CELEBRATING

Western's 125th Anniversary

125 Anniversary Seal Logo
For 125 years, Western Colorado University has been shaped by the people, traditions, and place that define the Western Slope. This milestone honors our history and the traditions we’ve carried forward, while bringing our community together through events that celebrate where we’ve been, and where we’re headed next.

CELEBRATE WITH US!

Upcoming Events

Western Ski Weekend 2026

Western Ski Weekend 2026

Calling all alumni, community members, and the Western family: Join us for an epic weekend of skiing, après, and adventure! Mark your calendars for February 6 - 8. Register now to access special discounts on lodging, lift tickets, and rentals. Plu...
Feb 07

Western Ski Weekend 2026

Saturday, February 7, 12:00am
Apr 16

Founders Day

Thursday, April 16, 11:00am
Aug 28

125-Years of Western Block Party

Friday, August 28, 5:30pm
Sep 25

Homecoming 2026

Friday, September 25, 12:00am
All 125 Anniversary Events

Traditions We've Kept Alive

Sledding Down the Green Monster (College Hill)

The infamous Green Monster (College Hill) remains a go-to gathering spot after a big campus snow—a legacy of wipeouts, big air, and makeshift sleds.

Campus Ski Competitions

Ski and snowboard culture continues to thrive on campus, especially during Rail Jam. Each year, Taylor Lawn transforms into a terrain park where students put their skills to the test.

Mountaineer Mascot

While his look has changed over the years, Mad Jack remains the quirky mountain man hyping up all things Western.

Mountain Rescue Team

Founded in 1968, Western’s Mountain Rescue Team stands as the only collegiate mountain rescue team in the country, offering students a unique opportunity to serve their community.

First-Year Orientation

Western’s orientation experience goes far beyond move-in day. From outdoor adventures to a slip n’ slide down the Green Monster, students kick off their college journey with memories that last.

SpringFest River Rukus

Cardboard boat racing made its long-awaited return to Western in spring 2025, with hundreds of students lining the banks of the Whitewater Park to cheer on the chaos, creativity, and spills.

  • Three Western students catch some air on their toboggan on the way down College Hill, 1970s.
  • 2024 Students race down the Green Monster sledding hill on sleds they made out of cardboard.
  • A cross country ski competitor skis by spectators in front of the WSC Student Union, 1980s.
  • A Rail Jam participant rides a rail on Taylor Lawn, 2025
  • The WSC Mountaineer rides horseback on Main Street during the Homecoming parade, circa late 1980s.
  • Mad Jack the Mountaineer waves to the crowd during the Western Colorado University Homecoming Parade, 2022
  • A side view of the Western Mountain Rescue wagon parked just south of Ute Hall, 1995.
  • A view of the Mountain Rescue vehicle in 2021 and a partner helicopter in the sky.
  • A Freshman Convocation takes place at Quigley Bandshell, 2002. Kelley and Hurst Halls are in the background.
  • 2024 Orientation leaders run and high five each other down a line on the football field as they are introduced.
  • "The Duck" is seen floating down the Gunnison River during the 1975 MU-Vet Springfest river race . After the race, the duck could be seen for months beached along the Neversink campground west of Gunnison.
  • Three female western students in a banana shaped cardboard box foat down the river. They wave their ores in the air cheering to the crowd during the 2025 River Ruckus.
A student wearing a graduation gown stands on a rock feature at Hartman Rocks and holds her cap up at sunset with big mountain views behind her.

What's Next for Western

Explore our Strategic Plan to see how we’re building on 125 years of momentum to shape the future of education on the Western Slope.

Strategic Plan

A Legacy 125 Years in the Making

A curated look at the history, traditions, and defining moments that continue to influence campus life today.

Black and white photo of students at Tenderfoot Mountain's archaeological dig site.
June 30, 2021

Western History Through an Expert’s Eyes

Discover Western Colorado University’s story through the eyes of one of its most experienced historians. From its early days as a teachers’ college with just a dozen students to its iconic traditions and pivotal moments in athletics, academics, and campus life, this piece brings Western’s rich past to life through firsthand insight and remarkable milestones.

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A WSC ski team poses for the camera
April 12, 2024

Carving a Legacy: The Evolution of Ski Racing at Western Colorado University

The Westerner Alumni Magazine

Explore how ski racing at Western Colorado University grew from a post-World War II student team into a tradition of excellence that produced champions, Olympians, and a resilient modern Mountain Sports program. This article traces the highs, challenges, and new beginnings of Western’s ski legacy—from the first NCAA teams to the spirited athletes carving turns today in the USCSA. Dive in to see how past triumphs and present momentum shape the future of skiing at Western.

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On a hill looking down at the Mountaineer Bowl's field, track, and grandstands with W Mountain in the background.
October 11, 2024

Triumph and Transformation: Mountaineer Bowl Through the Years

The Westerner Alumni Magazine

Step back into 75 years of Mountaineer Bowl history — the highest collegiate stadium in the nation and a central gathering place for Western Colorado University and the Gunnison community. From its humble beginnings in 1948 and decades of unforgettable athletic triumphs to its exciting transformation into the Rady Family Sports Complex, this story celebrates how tradition, competition, and community have shaped one of Western’s most iconic landmarks.

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A view of Savage Library
December 4, 2020

Western’s Historic Savage Library Aglow With New Life

Step inside the restored heart of Western Colorado University as the historic Leslie J. Savage Library — beloved for its iconic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and cherished by generations of Mountaineers — is beautifully brought back to life through thoughtful preservation and community support. From original design details uncovered to modern upgrades that ensure its use for years to come, this story celebrates both heritage and renewal on campus.

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A picture of Mr. and Mrs. Bratton at an event.
April 1, 2025

Remembering Dick Bratton

The Westerner Alumni Magazine

Read about the life and legacy of Lyle Richard “Dick” Bratton (’54), a beloved Mountaineer whose impact stretched from the football field to the heart of Western Colorado University and the Gunnison community. From standout student-athlete and student body president to a distinguished water rights attorney, founding force behind the Western Colorado University Foundation, and tireless supporter of campus programs, this tribute highlights a visionary leader whose contributions will be felt for generations.

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