The University of Alabama is highly renowned for its culture, academics, sports, traditions, and student life. With a rich history, large alumni base, and various notorious events held each year, lots of things can go under the radar. We’ve compiled a list of fun facts about UA so you can get to know the Capstone even better, from hidden traditions to campus quirks. Whether you’re a UA student, potential future student, alumni, or die-hard Bama fan you’re sure to learn something you’ve never heard before!
1. Nursing Prestige: A Real Powerhouse at UA
- The Capstone College of Nursing is seriously elite: its students benefit from a rigorous academic plan, extensive research opportunities, and in-person clinical experiences.
- UA’s nursing graduates are exceptionally well-prepared — historically, their NCLEX (nurse licensing exam) pass rate is extremely high, making UA nurses very competitive in the job market.
- For its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, UA is ranked #22 in the nation, highlighting how respected the school is on a national scale.
2. Truly Global & Diverse Student Body
- UA’s student population is geographically and culturally diverse: students hail from all 67 counties of Alabama, every U.S. state, and around 99 countries.
- In Fall 2025, UA broke its own enrollment record, bringing in 42,360 students — a number that, if packed into Bryant‑Denny Stadium, would fill nearly half the seats.
- This diversity isn’t just for show: it reflects UA’s reach, reputation, and appeal to students from vastly different backgrounds.
- This picture represents the “Script A” event held during Weeks Of Welcome every fall, where new freshmen meet in Bryant Denny for a class photo shaped like the University’s easily recognizable logo.
3. The Ghost of Reese Phifer
- A haunting story lingers in Reese Phifer Hall: Clarence Cason, the former head of UA’s Journalism department, died by suicide in his office (room 402B) in 1935.
- Students and faculty have reported eerie phenomena: footsteps echoing in empty halls, random whistling, sudden cold spots, and a “presence” when no one else is around.
- One especially chilling account: a professor late at night said she felt overwhelming sadness, and then a copier in the hallway started on its own as if responding to her in grief. Then, inexplicably, she felt peace, like someone was trying to console her.
4. Haunted Legends Across Campus
UA’s campus isn’t just rich in academics; it’s steeped in ghost stories and paranormal traditions. Here are some of the best:
- Gorgas House: Once home to Amelia Gayle Gorgas, this building is one of UA’s oldest. According to campus lore, rocking chairs on the porch rock by themselves on quiet evenings — as if Amelia or others are still there.
- The Mound: On windy nights, some claim to see three translucent men standing on the Mound — a grassy hill made from the ruins of Franklin Hall, which was destroyed during the Civil War.
- Madison Hall Ruins: The bricks marking the ruins of Madison Hall can give off more than history — on April 3–4 (anniversary of the 1865 burning), people report smelling smoke or hearing distant sounds of battle.
- Little Round House: This small, circular structure survived the Civil War fire, and legends say Union soldiers’ voices are sometimes heard inside or around it.
- Gorgas Library Elevator: One of UA’s creepiest stories. Late at night, the elevator reportedly opens on the fourth floor (when no one pressed the button), and some attribute this to the spirit of Amelia Gorgas herself.
- Haunted Museum Tours: UA’s Alabama Museum of Natural History and Gorgas House Museum host annual “Haunting at the Museum” events every October. These candlelit ghost walks include stops at the Quad, Gorgas House, Gorgas Library, Smith Hall, and more.
- Ghostly Scavenger Hunts: During these haunted events, students and staff volunteer to portray historical figures (like Amelia Gorgas), offer guided creepy tours, and even pose for spooky “ghostly portraits.”
5. Honors Week & Tapping on the Mound
- Every spring during Honors Week, UA honors its top students with the iconic Tapping on the Mound ceremony.
- This tradition dates back to the early 1900s and involves inducting outstanding students into societies like Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, Blue Key, and the Anderson Society.
- The Mound — location of this ceremony — is not just a stage: it was built from the ruins of Franklin Hall, giving it deep historical resonance.
- During the ceremony, honorees are literally tapped (on the shoulder or mortarboard) to mark their induction, a visually and emotionally powerful moment.
6. Big Al: More Than Just a Mascot
- UA is the only major university with an elephant as its mascot. This isn’t random, the “elephant” nickname came from a sportswriter who, after seeing tiny Alabama players on a muddy field, described them like giant “red elephants.”
- The live mascot days (using real elephants) gave way to a more practical (and adorable) costumed version: Big Al, who made his debut during the 1979 Sugar Bowl.
- Big Al isn’t just for football: he’s a campus icon, beloved by fans of all ages, and often appears at non-football events too.
- The beloved mascot often makes classroom appearances and funny social media videos to connect with students and Big Al fans alike.
- Big Al is the official mascot of the University, but see here to learn more about the origins of the “Crimson Tide”.
7. Ceremonial Mace with Deep Roots
- At UA commencements, a ceremonial mace is carried by the marshal. But this isn’t just any mace, it’s made from the wood of the Gorgas Oak: a tree believed to be older than the university itself.
- The mace’s head features four bronze castings: UA’s official seal, Denny Chimes, a triangle symbolizing “teaching, research, and service,” and Clark Hall (one of UA’s oldest buildings).
- Introduced in 1987, the mace is deeply symbolic: made by UA maintenance staff, carved from campus heritage, and carried at every graduation ceremony.
8. Marr’s Spring: Campus Origin Story
- The site of UA’s campus was carefully chosen in part because of Marr’s Spring, a natural water source that once provided fresh water for early students and faculty.
- Today, the spring has been renovated and preserved as a peaceful, historic landmark tucked away near the Quad — a quiet reminder of UA’s humble beginnings.
9. Lawn Art & “Pomping” on Homecoming
- One quirky, colorful tradition tied to Greek life and Homecoming is called “pomping”: sororities create elaborate lawn decorations made with balls of colored tissue paper (“pomps”) glued down onto a large board hoisted on the chapter house’s front lawn.
- These decorations are often competitive, with chapters vying for creativity and community attention. They’re a beloved visual tradition that brightens Homecoming weekend.
- Pomping is seen at many universities across the country, however, like in many other aspects, Alabama students generally go above and beyond.
10. Million Dollar Band: A Legacy of Sound
- The Million Dollar Band, UA’s official marching band, was founded in 1912, making it one of the university’s oldest and most active student organizations.
- With hundreds of members, the band plays at every home football game, supports away games, and even performs at basketball and gymnastics events.
- In 2003, the Million Dollar Band earned the Sudler Trophy, an honor given to outstanding collegiate marching bands.
11. Haunting at the Museum: Where History Meets Spooky Fun
- In late October, UA’s Alabama Museum of Natural History and Gorgas House Museum host a free, all-ages event called “Haunting at the Museum.”
- The event features storytelling, costumed guides, bug-themed Halloween science activities (“boo-tanicals”), and a chance to explore Victorian mourning practices.
- For a fun twist, there’s even a costume contest on the steps of Gorgas House.
- Picture: Alabama Museum of Natural History
12. Gorgas House: More Than Haunted
- The Gorgas–Manly Historic District includes Gorgas House, a building that predates UA’s official opening and has played many roles: dining hall, faculty residence, post office, infirmary, and more.
- Today, Gorgas House is a museum where visitors can tour period rooms and take in ghost stories, historic relics, and even old letters belonging to the Gorgas family.
- One lesser-known fact: Amelia Gorgas (for whom the house is named) was a pioneer in her own right. She served as university librarian, postmistress, and matron for decades, shaping campus life in the 19th century.
13. Tapping Taboos & Mysteries
- While “Tapping on the Mound” is a celebrated tradition, some students have whispered about a superstition: don’t touch the Mound’s grass unless you’re being tapped in. Some believe touching it outside of ceremony affects graduation timing.
- Regardless of superstition, no one disputes the Mound’s historical weight: it’s physically built out of the rubble of Franklin Hall, burned in 1865.
14. A Mascot with Real Roots
- The Crimson Tide nickname has a muddy origin: back in 1907, Alabama’s white jerseys were stained red by iron-rich soil, and a sportswriter is said to have called them a “Crimson Tide.”
- The name stuck around, and now the Crimson Tide represents every UA sports team.
- The color crimson is said to symbolize passion and intensity, reflective in the winning nature of our sports programs.
Why These Fun Facts Matter
- They’re not just cute stories — they tell history. From Marr’s Spring to the Mound to haunted houses, these facts are rooted in UA’s real past.
- They build community. Whether you’re a new student or a seasoned alum, knowing the lore makes the campus feel alive.
- They make UA feel magical. Ghost stories, secret societies, and ceremonies give the university a mystique that goes beyond books and sports.
- They honor people. Many traditions — the Mace, Gorgas House, the Mound — celebrate real people who were deeply invested in UA.
Final Thoughts
The University of Alabama is more than just a powerhouse for academics and athletics. It’s a place where stories live on: stories of legendary elephants, silent tapping ceremonies, phantom figures on the Mound, and rocking chairs that move by themselves. These fun facts may be off the beaten path, but they’re part of what makes UA feel like a living, breathing legacy.
Next time you’re on the Quad, strolling by Gorgas House, or tuning in to Honor’s Week, you’ll see that the Capstone isn’t just a building. It’s a story: one that gets richer every year.
Be sure to check out more student life blogs! This one helps you look at different options and things to consider when joining a club on campus.
