WPI Traditions

School Spirit

Gompei the Goat
One of only two college goat mascots in the country, Gompei the goat was named for Gompei Kuwada, a member of the class of 1893 who served as WPI’s first goat keeper owing to his initials. The beloved mascot has a widespread presence on campus, including two bronze sculptures: the “Proud Goat” overlooking the WPI Quadrangle, often seen wearing a WPI sweater in the winter, and the “Charging Goat” greeting rival athletic teams outside the Sports and Recreation Center.

Crimson and Gray
WPI’s school colors are crimson and gray. The gray was selected by students who won a boat race in 1872 and the crimson was added shortly after. The two colors are reflected in the bark and leaves of the large eye-catching beech tree growing near WPI’s main entrance.

Cheers and Songs
WPI has a number of officials songs sung at sports games and events, including an Alma Mater written by Willard Hedlund, Class of 1910. Perhaps its most well-known cheer is its numerical fight song, which features 13 mathematical expressions:

E to the X, D-Y, D-X. E to the X, D-X. Cosine, Secant, Tangent, Sine, 3.14159. E-I, Radical, Pi. Fight 'em, Fight 'em WPI!

Traditional Events

• Homecoming: New and current students, faculty, staff, and alumni flock to campus on Homecoming weekend to watch and attend sports games, cheer on teams at the student rope-pull, and reminisce at alumni gatherings.
• Founders Day: Held on November 11, the anniversary of Boynton Hall’s dedication in 1868, Founders Day features reenactments of events from WPI’s history—as well as a visit from some real goats. Learn more about WPI's Founders.
• Gompei’s Birthday: The WPI community celebrates Gompei’s birthday in late February with fun giveaways and cake in the Rubin Campus Center.
• Traditions Week: A combination of friendly competitions & events held every Spring. Pennant Rush and Family Feud are some longtime fan favorites. Although the specific events vary each year, the goal of the week is to further educate the WPI community about the rich history and traditions of the school. 

Goat’s Head Rivalry
Each year, WPI students compete in a series of spirited challenges throughout the academic year for the coveted Goat's Head Trophy, a bronze statuette of Gompei. The competition brings the campus community together through one signature event each term, including the Rope Pull at Homecoming, Are You Smarter Than a Founder, Gompei's Gallop, and Pennant Rush, with students earning points and bragging rights as they vie for this beloved WPI tradition.

Trivia Tuesdays 
WPI’s brainy students test their knowledge and compete for prizes at weekly trivia nights held every Tuesday at the Goat’s Head restaurant.