Students wait for the semester to be over so they can go home, see their families, and start their other jobs. However, before they leave for the summer, they have two things to complete: finals and, for some students over 21 years old, the keg races.

Traditionally, on the Saturday before final exams, students gather around campus and trek to a blue house off campus for an all-day party that includes hot dogs for everyone to enjoy, rather than just kegs of beer.

For those participating the tradition is simple, first, have fun with your friends outside before walking over to the house, next, go to the house at around 5 p.m. for the playing of the national anthem and the beginning of the event, then, do a keg stand with your designated team keg and, finally, whatever team finishes their keg first is the winner.

Brock Inman, a senior at Quincy University, believes that this day is more about bringing the campus closer together than anything else, with people from all teams celebrating the end of the academic year.

“I think it brings the whole campus together one day a year, which I wish it were almost every weekend, because we all have a lot of fun all day. It’s just a good time, a good camaraderie builder for the school,” Inman said.

On this day, there come some smaller fun traditions that make everyone laugh and smile. The first tradition involves ringing what is referred to on campus as the “drunk bell.” The Bill Scholten Bell was originally a gift to the university, but now students use it to celebrate a fun night out with their friends by ringing the bell. As well, students celebrate the day by jumping into the university’s fountain to cool off on a hot day.

Joey Lyon, a senior student at QU, believes that these traditions are what fuel the university and make sure that the campus is thriving socially.

“It is the one day of the year when the entire campus does something instead of staying in their rooms, and we get very drunk,” Lyon said.

Additionally, the teams have specific themes that they follow to showcase the team’s personality during the event, such as the NCAA football team wearing jerseys from various sports teams or the women’s soccer team designing shirts inspired by pop culture. The coordination of the teams’ attire in the weeks leading up to the event enhances the overall enjoyment of the event.

Nathan Smith, a senior student, believes that the planning and execution of the event bring all the teams closer together and build new relationships.

“The whole university is coming together and celebrating the successful year that we had in school and sports. It’s a day that I get to spend with my friends just enjoying life before we go back home,” Smith said.

The keg race event has a rich history at the university and students hope it will continue this year. Attendees must be 21, and must purchase wristbands to attend. The event is not condoned by Quincy University and is closely watched by administration and security. Not all students participate in the tradition.