<p>I'm curious about something. In your experiences, what colleges and universities produce the alumni with the most pride about their school. What schools are most likely to produce graduates who stay dedicated to their alma mater, root for the sports team, sport the bumper stickers, recommend their school etc.? I'm not necessarily asking which school has the biggest rate of donation back to the school, but which schools are most proud?</p>
<p>Texas A&M University</p>
<p>University of Illinois ranks up there, I think, as well as Notre Dame and Michigan. Northwestern Grads also seem to stay true to their school.</p>
<p>I guess it depends on where you live. I would list UCLA, USC, and UW, but then I've only lived in Southern California and Western Washington. Illinois, A&M, Michigan, &c are completely invisible in the great Northwet.</p>
<p>I think it the extreme expressions of often pride follows the athletic prowess around. Big Ten, Pac 10, big Texas schools, Notre Dame and other big sports schools have a lot of pride.</p>
<p>I'd guess any of the huge state colleges would claim themselves as the best... My husband is an alumni of West Virginia University and a huge fan but we couldn't get either of our older kids to even apply there. Daughter actually applied to old rival Penn State. Penn State has a huge amount of support, but when you graduate 10,000 students a year (my guess), the numbers of alumni add up quickly!</p>
<p>West Virginia University, but not only alumni, the state backs the school. When WVU gets a bowl bid, you can bet they'll pack the stadium with fans.</p>
<p>additional info: I type too slow kathiep. :)</p>
<p>Miami University (Oxford, OH); I'd place alum loyalty right alongside University of Michigan...maybe even ahead.</p>
<p>I think coureur is going in the right direction. Almost every school has a core of loyal dedicated and proud alumni, but a successful sports team will bring many of the quiet but proud crowd out of the closet and leaping onto the bandwagon. I never knew there were so many proud Rutgers alumni until the team had a winning season this year. All of a sudden everyone is flying the flag and wearing the sweatshirts. I read one amusing story about how traditionally alumni who played on the football team were allowed to stand on the field to watch games. Typically there were a handful in attendance but this year they were in a crowd 4 deep.</p>
<p>Hail to the Victors!!!! </p>
<p>(A vote for Michigan. How can you not be proud with a song like that!)</p>
<p>I agree about Notre Dame and TAMU.</p>
<p>Notre Dame and West Point. I would assume Navy and AFA grads would also be proud alums.</p>
<p>Most top Big 10 schools in Seattle (UM, UW, PSU I know of) have regular game viewing parties at sports bars all over Seattle. They also have picnics (Vasa Park for us(you can have beer there)), dinners with guest speakers (College Club), and parties. We also often host a party for any visiting teams in town to play the Udub. In summer there is an all Big 10 golf outing. You might not see us but we are out there. Start looking for license plate frames and window stickers--I see them all the time.
When Wisco played Udub and Oregon in football a few years ago we raised funds for the band to make the trip and had thousands of fans at each game. We will play WSU in a game likely to be moved to Seattle and I would expect at least 3-5000 fans to make the game--mostly from the Northwest.</p>
<p>I would say Notre Dame, hands down. I think the military academies are probably similar, but I don't have much experience with them. I'd say these schools, again I'm most familiar with Notre Dame, have a bond beyond sports teams that reaches a familial aspect that other big sports schools often lack.</p>
<p>Penn State and Clemson in a walk.</p>
<p>son is currently a freshman at ND, and we attended a couple alumni gatherings- Notre Dame alum are passionate- devoted-to their school.
It is truly amazing, there is a wonderful glow about them when they speak about their college days- no matter when they graduated. </p>
<p>My vote - NOTRE DAME!!!!!!!</p>
<p>Ohio State--I've been in Ohio powder rooms decorated with Buckeye schwag. Second Notre Dame, Georgetown and USC (just ask TheDad about lawn flags in Orange County!).</p>
<p>Add all the Ivy league schools and Stanford and MIT. Those grads are devoted to their reunions and ongoing friendships amongst alum. Outward advertisements such as Flags on Lawns are frowned upon--save for the t-shirt or cap.</p>
<p>Dear, beloved little Williams, whose alums are devoted to the school even in those very rare years when the sports teams aren't doing so well.</p>
<p>Isn't this about location, location, etc? Can't say I hear much about Notre Dame or Michigan or Ohio here in Eastern PA.</p>
<p>Well, Kathiep, I live in NJ, and I know tons of my fellow alumni who seem dang proud of their school. Obviously in PA you're going to hear more Penn State, but I think it's who gets swelled chests outside of their location which would mean the most.</p>
<p>And as much as I love UM, I do have to agree that I know scores of people who adore ND who've never set foot in Indiana, let alone been alums of the school (the "Rudy" syndrome.)</p>