Our Traditions Run Deep

Be sure to join in when you’re on campus or at a game!

Limestone has been in existence since 1845, and there are numerous traditions that have emerged over the years. Those traditions are what give our school color and character, and what we are expected to pass down to the younger generations of Saints to follow.

Here are just a few of the many symbols and time-honored traditions synonymous with Limestone University:

“The Rock”

Located on the site of a former Limestone mining quarry, Limestone University has been referred to as “The Rock” for countless decades. The South Carolina stone placed in the Washington Monument was mined from the quarry located on the University’s campus. Deposits from the quarry furnished lime used in the production of iron during the American Revolution and throughout the 19th century. Production at the quarry continued until the deposits were exhausted in 1953. The quarry, since filled with water, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Now known as “Lake Limestone,” the former quarry location is one of the must iconic and picturesque features on the University’s campus. In addition, a monument, known as “The Rock,” was placed at Saints Field in 1995 in memory of former men’s lacrosse player Paul Casey, who lost his life in a hiking accident in 1994. Each year, Limestone Athletics presents the "Paul Casey Award" that goes to the men's lacrosse player who "best exemplifies the values and ideas by which Paul led his life.”

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Limestone Quarry view from Victory Bell tower walkway
Limestone Quarry view from Stephenson Dining Hall
The Rock - campus store apparel
Limestone Quarry view from Stephenson Dining Hall patio
Limestone Campus - photo taken in 1948
The Rock - Paul Casey memorial
Limestone Quarry view from Victory Bell tower
The Rock - Memorial brick
Fleur on Limestone Saints Dancer
Fear the Fleur
Fleur flag flies in Columbia, SC at the State Capitol building
Fleur Football Helmet
Fleur Limestone women's golfer
Fleur at Gillette Stadium where Men's Lacrosse won the National Championship
Fleur Lacrosse Helmet
Limestone Saints logo
Saints Fleur

The Fleur

Limestone University adopted “Saints” as its official nickname in the 1970s and the iconic fleur-de-lis logo has been a part of its history ever since. The symbol is an artistic representation of a flower. “Fleur” is the French word for flower and “lis” means lily. Limestone’s trademarked “Fast Fleur” logo is tremendously popular with Saints alumni, students, and fans, and opponents have grown to “Fear The Fleur.”

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Dr. Poovey leading chorus

Alma Mater

Limestone University’s Alma Mater, “Limestone, Cherished Limestone” is performed at the end of each football game by the Marching Saints band. The song is also performed by members of the Department of Music during major events on campus, such as graduation ceremonies, the Presidential Convocation, and others.

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Limestone University ALMA MATER

In Southern Carolina,
Beneath the pine tree's cone,
There stands my Alma Mater,
My dear, my fair Limestone.
'Tis there my memory lingers,
And naught can quite compare
To the hours I spent at Limestone,
At Limestone, dear and fair.

Chorus

Oh Limestone, cherished Limestone,
I love thy classic halls;
Oh Limestone, fairest Limestone,
I love thy sacred walls.
Thy name I crown with honor,
And I shall ever give
To thee a heart's devotion,
As long as I shall live.

The hours of life flow swiftly,
And change must come to all;
Our friendships must be severed
To answer duty’s call;
But memories never perish,
And that of fair Limestone
Must be with me forever,
The brightest, sweetest one.

Chorus

Oh Limestone, cherished Limestone,
I love thy classic halls;
Oh Limestone, fairest Limestone,
I love thy sacred walls.
Thy name I crown with honor,
And I shall ever give
To thee a heart's devotion,
As long as I shall live.

Front Campus Fountain & Candelabrum

One of the most recognizable elements of the Limestone University front campus is its historic fountain that features a seven-branched candelabrum at the top. The candelabrum is part of Limestone’s official seal, along with its founding year of 1845 and the Greek letters meaning “Toward The Light.” A candelabrum is an ornamental branched holder for more than one candle. In the fountain’s case, the candelabrum holds seven candles.

The fountain’s candelabrum represents the Seven Branches of Learning that make up a liberal arts education. The seven liberal arts include grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. The candelabrum symbolizes Limestone’s purpose to instill in its students to move forward in their search of “light” or, in other words, “truth.”

Limestone was founded as a liberal arts institution in 1845 and it remains an accredited, independent, coeducational, liberal arts institution, and a non-denominational Christian university. The fountain pays tribute to Limestone’s liberal arts origin and mission.

The candelabrum is sometimes mistaken as a menorah, which has been a symbol of Judaism since ancient times and is the emblem on the coat of arms of the modern state of Israel. While Limestone’s candelabrum looks similar to a menorah, they are not identical.

The candelabrum part of the official seal was first used under Limestone President Dr. Lee Davis Lodge in 1904.

Front Campus Fountain
Limestone Band member chanting Fight Song

Fight Song

Prior to the first season of intercollegiate football in 2014, Limestone University was without a true fight song. That changed with the introduction of “The Blue and Gold,” a song that Limestone fans now proudly sing to cheer on their team. In addition to its unique lyrics, the fight song also interweaves a distinctive portion of “When The Saints Go Marching In.”

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Listen here:

Limestone University FIGHT SONG
“THE BLUE AND GOLD”

We are the Blue and Gold;
Proudly strive to victory.

Hail Limestone, always true;
Ever Saints we will be.

We are the Blue and Gold;
Proudly strive to victory.

Hail Limestone, always true;
Ever Saints we will be.

BLUE!
GOLD!

BLUE!
GOLD!

O when the Saints
Go marching in
Now, when the Saints go marching in
Yes, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in

Bernie

“Bernie” De Saint is Limestone University’s beloved mascot. The 6-foot tall Saint Bernard can be found at most Limestone athletic events, and he also shows up around campus, at local elementary schools, and at special events across the area to promote Saints Athletics and Limestone University. True to his breed, Bernie is devoted to his team as a symbol of integrity, strength and loyalty.

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Bernie with Curtis Building backdrop and signage
Bernie chillin on front campus
Bernie wants you to be a Saint
Bernie & Cheerleaders with the Gaffney Fire Dept
Bernie Grad
Bernie posing at tree
Bernie - Thank you for my SC Tuition Grant
Bernie with student
Be Bold. Be Blue - Carleigh
Be Bold. Be Blue - Spirit Day
Be Bold. Be Blue apparel
Be Bold. Be Blue logo
Logo - Be Bold. Be Blue.
Be Bold. Be Blue.

Each Friday during the academic year, students and staff members – along with Saints fans across town and across the nation – can be found decked out in blue as part of “Be Bold. Be Blue.” to show their school pride and their support of Limestone’s athletic teams.

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Give Me An L
Give Me An L - Football players
Give Me An L - Cheerleaders
Give Me An L - KC graphic

Give Me An “L”

This is a new tradition at Limestone football games, and other athletics events, when the University’s Alma Mater is played. It is our best non-verbal way to show school spirit at Limestone. You will want to join the team, the cheerleaders, the dance team, and the band by giving an "L" during the playing of the Limestone alma mater at the end of games.

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Tailgating

Hours before each kickoff, Limestone University football fans can be found outside the stadium enjoying tailgating with family and friends. In addition to the grills and games throughout the tailgate lot, local radio station WZZQ 104.3 FM hosts an hour-long “Saints Tailgate Show,” talking about key elements of the upcoming game and playing music for all the fans gathered around the stadium.

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CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE TO THE TAILGATE SHOW

Saints fans Tailgating
Limestone dancers tailgating
Bernie with Dennis Fowler from WZZQ
Limestone students tailgating
Saints baby tailgating
Limestone students tailgating
Saints fans tailgating
Cobb girls cheering on the Saints
Limestone students tailgating
Limestone fans tailgating
Saints fans tailgating
Limestone students tailgating

Victory Bell Tower

A new tradition has been adopted at Limestone with the completion of the Cunning Family Victory Bell Tower, which overlooks Lake Limestone in an area that sits between the University’s athletics and academic facilities. After every Limestone athletic victory, the Bell Tower rings out with the Limestone fight song. The Cunning Family Bell Tower area features seating areas, a flower garden, and a lighted walkway that travels from one side of campus to the other.

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Victory Bell Tower rendering

Homecoming/Alumni Weekend

Welcoming back students from days gone by, Limestone hosts a combined Homecoming and Alumni Weekend on a Friday and Saturday each fall. The festivities include a Homecoming football game, special activities prior to kickoff in the tailgating area, and more.

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Homecoming - Cheerleaders
Homecoming Queen - Tailgating
Homecoming - Tailgating
Homecoming - T-Shirts
Homecoming - Tailgating
Homecoming - Lunch
Homecoming - Lunch
Homecoming - Live Music
Homecoming - Tailgating
Homecoming - Music
Homecoming - Alumni
Homecoming
Homecoming - Golden Club

Christmas Luminaries

As part of Limestone’s annual “Christmas On Campus” event, the luminaries have been beloved by the local community for over three decades. The tradition of celebrating Christmas on Campus dates back to 1984 when the late Les Gregory, a former staff member and a graduate of Limestone, arranged for 200 luminaries to be lit in honor of retired Limestone University professor Lucy G. Wheeler. With that, Christmas on Campus was born. Since Gregory's inception, the luminaries have grown to over 10,000 candles. The majority of the luminaries are prepared and lit each year by Limestone student-athletes.

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Limestone Christmas Luminaries
Limestone Christmas Luminaries - Curtis Building shot
Students set up Limestone Christmas Luminaries
Students set up Limestone Christmas Luminaries
Limestone Christmas Luminaries
Limestone Christmas Luminaries
Limestone Christmas Luminaries