K-State’s official color—royal purple—was chosen in 1896 by two representatives from each class, but it wasn't approved by the faculty until 1921. Surprising fact: purple is K-State’s only official color, even though it’s commonly paired with white or gray.
K-Staters were originally known as the Aggies. But in 1915 Coach Chief Bender coined the nickname "Wildcats" for his football team because of its fighting spirit.
The alma mater, selected in a campus contest in 1903, was written by Humphrey W. Jones, class of 1888. His original song was later altered by changing “KSAC” (for Kansas State Agricultural College) to “KSU.” Here are the lyrics:
I know a spot that I love full well,
'Tis not in forest nor yet in dell;
Ever it holds me with magic spell,
I think of thee, Alma Mater.
KSU, we'll carry thy banner high.
KSU, long, long may thy colors fly.
Loyal to thee, thy children will swell the cry.
Hail, hail, hail, Alma Mater.
"Wildcat Victory" was written in 1927 by Harry E. Erickson '27. Here are the lyrics:
Fight, you K-State Wildcats
For Alma Mater fight-fight-fight!
Glory in the combat
For the purple and the white.
Faithful to our colors
We will ever be,
Fighting ever fighting for a
Wildcat victory!
Go State!
