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The Aggie Spirit: Chronicling Student Life Through the University Archives

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The “Aggie Spirit” is a term that emerged in the early days of UC Davis, when it was still the University Farm, to describe the particular character of our school pride and identity. This exhibit celebrates that spirit of warmth, optimism, friendliness, cooperation and charity, and the traditions and quirks that make our campus unique.

Experience UC Davis in a whole new way through this exhibition of historic photographs, yearbooks, artifacts and documents from the University Archives (a part of the library’s Special Collections) which highlight six areas of student life on campus:

  • Academics
  • Student Traditions and Activities, such as Picnic Day and Pajamarino
  • Sports and the Band
  • Housing and Campus Life
  • Transportation
  • Fashion

And, naturally, bikes. Lots of bikes.

Selected Images from the Exhibit

Black and white photograph of a large group of female students riding bicycles toward the camera on the UC Davis campus.

This 1962 publicity photo was intended to show UC Davis as a bicycle-friendly campus. Chancellor Emil Mrak led an initiative to create a network of bike paths around the campus.

Black and white photograph of four young women using their hands to place small, circular hats on their heads. They are outdoors with a building in the background.

A group of female students in the 1960s try on their dinks, the beanie that UC Davis freshmen were required to wear prior to the Frosh-Soph brawl.

Black and white photograph of a group of men in suits and hats holding notebooks and standing around a solitary cow in a field.

This photo, likely from the 1920s, shows University Farm students learning the finer points of cattle judging. UC Davis was known as UC Berkeley’s University Farm during its early decades following its founding in 1908.

Black and white photograph of a group of smiling women with paper bags on the tops of their heads, standing in front of a car with a wood-shingle building in the background.

Five coeds in front of West Hall demonstrate fashion typical of the post-war 1940s (with the addition of paper bag hats).

Black and white photograph of two young people, one wearing overalls, and dog standing outside the door of a dome shaped house, with other domes in the background.

Two early occupants of the Domes in Baggins End shortly after their construction in 1972.

Pale mustard colored poster advertising the Whole Earth Festival with an abstract circular image of trees and roots. Text reads come celebrate this festive occasion of meals, dance, environmental exhibitions, arts and crafts, food and people. May 6, 7, and 8 at UCD.

Whole Earth Festival poster from 1977.

Action shot of basketball game in an indoor area. A player wearing a white UC Davis uniform with the number 11 leaps up grabbing the ball near the basket with other players nearby.

J.C. Timmons at the basket during the Aggies Division II basketball championship win over Kentucky Wesleyan in 1998.

Exhibit from
Curated by Kevin Miller
Previously on display April 6, 2018 - December 10, 2018 in the Shields Library (Lobby - Archives and Special Collections)