College color schemes are often associated with a sense of pride and community, acting as a visual reminder of the so-called glory days. National College Colors Day on Sept. 3 intends to recognize this relationship.

WSU’s color scheme was not always crimson and gray. Over a hundred years ago, a majority vote from the student body changed the school’s colors from blue and pink to what it is today, according to a Daily Evergreen article from Nov. 14, 1900. 

“The colors symbolize the spirit of the students and their support for each other,” said senior forestry major Sarah Federle.

Today, crimson and gray clothing is seen around the world. Those who don the colors often catch a prideful “Go Cougs” as their peers walk by. 

“There’s something so distinctive about WSU’s colors,” said Julia Albrecht, sophomore wildlife ecology and conservation major. “I’ve been out of state traveling. But if I’m wearing a WSU shirt, then I get people saying ‘Go Cougs!’ It’s great to know that something as simple as a couple of colors can bring people together from anywhere.”