What is Founder’s Week?
The Founder’s Day Celebration, which originated in 1902, was created as a tribute to our founder, John Tarleton. Today the Student Government Association coordinates a week’s worth of Founder’s Day activities in April. This week is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant history and cherished traditions of our university. Experience a sense of community as we come together to celebrate our shared heritage.
Main Events
Cruise the Island
Monday, April 15th
Kick off Founder’s Week by joining us for Cruise the Island at 5:30 pm at Alumni Island.
Silver Taps
Tuesday, April 16th
Join us at 7:00 PM at Alumni Island for Silver Taps.
The Silver Taps ceremony is a tribute held each spring to honor Tarleton State, faculty, staff, students, and alumni who passed away during the previous year. The ceremony includes reading of the honor roll, prayers, a processional, Taps, and a 21-gun salute. When students begin their Tarleton journey they light a candle to signify a future of endeavors and achievements. Every year at the Silver Taps ceremony students carry and extinguish a flame to honor and respect a deceased member of the Tarleton Family.
Spring Concert – Oscar P’s Birthday Bash
Thursday, April 18th
Help us celebrate Oscar P’s Birthday by coming out to a concert performed by Tarleton State’s own Caleb Sutton! This concert will take place from 7-10pm in the Aquatics Center parking lot.
Mayfete
Friday, April 19th
Join us for the Mayfete at 5:30 pm in Heritage Park!
The Mayfete originated from an annual pageant held at Tarleton. Starting in 1921 every May dozens of girls would compete for the title of “May Queen.” The participants wore costumes and performed ceremonious dance routines that went with the theme of the festival. The whole festival was over seen by an elected “Lord Tarleton.” Winners were chosen for the grace, beauty, and academic standing by a panel of faculty and students. Today juniors and seniors apply to be Lord and Lady Tarleton. The Mayfete Court consists of four women and men that are then judged off of how well they live out Tarleton state’s Core Values while keeping up their academics. At the ceremony hosted in Heritage Park Lord and Lady Tarleton is crowned.
Purple and White Game
Saturday, April 19th
Join us for Tarleton State’s annual Purple and White Game! The game will start at 2:00 pm in Memorial Stadium and will feature a scrimmage by our football team and lots of Tarleton Spirit.
Student Testimony
Founders Week at Tarleton State University is important to the school because of the traditions and how they bring everyone at Tarleton together. The importance of tradition here is what makes Tarleton such a special school. Being a part of these traditions can make your college experience more exciting and boost your pride in being part of the Tarleton community. Personally my favorite event would have to be the purple and white game because it reminds me of football season. I always miss the football games in the spring!
– Jillian Nemec (Junior, Digital Media Studies Major)
