The Symbols That Unite Us
NDSU School Songs
Music recorded by the North Dakota State University Gold Star Marching Band
We Are The Pride
Verse:
We are the pride of North Dakota
State collegiates are we
Sons of the green and yellow prairies
Our colors will ever be
(Yell) STATE BISON!!
Cheer for our dear ol' alma mater
Proud and loyal are we
And we'll fight -- RAH! RAH!
Yes we'll fight -- RAH! RAH!
For North Dakota State U team.
Chorus:
Cheer for the Bison -- HIT 'EM AGAIN! HIT 'EM AGAIN!
Cheer for the Bison -- HIT 'EM AGAIN! HIT 'EM AGAIN!
Band refrain -- (Yell) FIGHT!
Band refrain -- (Yell) FIGHT!
Band refrain -- (Yell) FIGHT!
Repeat chorus.
On Bison
On Bison carry the fight,
State is backing you.
Green and yellow colors bright,
To them we will be true.
(Yell) State Bison!
Fight them right back to the goal,
A victory for our name.
On You Bison
(Yell) Fight You Bison!
Stampede and win this game.
The Yellow and The Green
Words by A.E. Minard • Music by C. S. Putnam
Ho! a cheer for Green and Yellow,
Up with Yellow and the Green;
They're the shades that deck our prairies
Far and wide with glorious sheen,
Fields of waving green in springtime,
Golden yellow in the fall-
How the great high-arching heaven
Looks and laughs upon it all!
Celebrate the Bison spirit
Bison Pride
Bison Pride Fridays are more than just a tradition, they’re a celebration of everything that makes NDSU exceptional. Whether you're a student, faculty member, staff, alum or a passionate fan, wearing green and yellow is a way to show your pride in NDSU’s impact, from groundbreaking research and hands-on learning to community service and championship-winning athletics. Be part of the energy, the tradition and the Bison spirit!
Where Tradition Runs Deep
Homecoming
North Dakota State University began its Homecoming tradition in 1921. It has been celebrated annually ever since, with the exception of 1943 and 1944 during World War II, and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. NDSU’s Homecoming is marked by long-standing traditions including athletic events, a parade featuring the Gold Star Marching Band, a performance by the Blue Key Honor Society and the crowning of a Homecoming Court.
Still marching strong
Gold Star Marching Band
Known as “The Pride of North Dakota,” the Gold Star Marching Band has been part of NDSU’s spirit and tradition for over a century. Student newspaper references indicate their roots go back as early as 1903. The band earned its “Gold Star” designation in 1924 when it was part of the ROTC and received a third consecutive 100% inspection rating — a mark of excellence that continues to define the band today.
NDSU Historical Facts
1890 - The institution was founded as North Dakota Agricultural College (NDAC) as the research land-grant institution for the state of North Dakota.
1890 - Horace E. Stockbridge became the first president of NDAC and director of the Experiment Station, serving in this role until 1893. While at NDAC, he was responsible for selecting the location of the college, appointing instructors, construction of buildings and organization of the Experiment Station.
1891 - The first permanent building on campus was Old Main (at the time known as College Hall). Construction of the lower levels was completed by the end of 1891, and on Jan. 3, 1892, the institution enrolled 123 students for the term.
1919 - Throughout the early 1900s NDSU’s nickname was the Aggies, a name centered on the rich agricultural history of the university. In 1919, head football coach Stan Borleske wanted the athletic team to be known for being strong and fierce. The name was officially changed to "Bison" in 1922 after a vote by the Lettermen’s Club.
1921 - The first Homecoming celebration was held on campus, a tradition that has since been held annually except during 1943 and 1944 because of World War II, and in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
1960 - After a 40-year effort, NDAC officially became North Dakota State University, a name that reflected the increasing field of study breadth of the institution.
1991 - Thundar became the official mascot of NDSU and now makes appearances at home games and campus events.
2004 - NDSU made the jump from NCAA Division II to Division I in athletics.
2004 - In August 2004, NDSU expanded its campus to downtown Fargo. Renaissance Hall, initially called NDSU Downtown, opened to classes in fall 2004. With its success, other structures soon followed. Richard H. Barry Hall held its first classes in fall 2008 and Klai Hall was dedicated on Oct. 3, 2008.
2021 - NDSU reached Research 1 distinction by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The distinction is Carnegie’s highest classification and is presented to the nation’s top research institutions.
2022 - The NDSU Foundation announced “In Our Hands: The Campaign for North Dakota State University” raised more than $586 million during the six-year comprehensive campaign, making it the largest higher education fundraising campaign in North Dakota history.
2022 - President David Cook became the 15th president of NDSU, stepping into his role in May 2022.
2025 - The Bison football team won their 10th FCS National Championship after playing Montana State.