Universities around the country have traditions connected with campus landmarks — and CSUN is no exception. At different times of year, it’s common to spot heaps of red roses piled on the Matador statue, on Matador Walk, between the University Library and University Student Union. Students (and sometimes, alumni) place red roses at the base of the statue to celebrate milestones such as an engagement; an achievement, such as passing a difficult test or class; graduation or getting a new job or promotion.
It’s also traditional to place a rose at the statue when just starting out at CSUN. Daisy Garcia, a marketing junior, is a student coordinator who helps guide New Student Orientation (NSO) groups. Garcia and other NSO leaders make the Matador statue the last stop on their campus tour, explaining CSUN’s “Tradition of the Rose” and its meaning to new Matadors. As students take part, she can see the tradition’s significance and meaning sink in, Garcia said.
“At first, they don’t understand it, and then they do it and it’s like, ‘Wow! That’s really cool!’ Because we have our very own [CSUN] tradition. So it makes it kind of special.”
The university unveiled the bronze statue in 2011, after an alumni fundraising campaign and in celebration of CSUN’s 50th anniversary in 2008. The Tradition of the Rose was formally introduced as an Associated Students’ resolution and approved by the full student senate that year.
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