Our Traditions Run Deep
Be sure to join in when you’re on campus or at a game!
Limestone has been in existence since 1845, and there are numerous traditions that have emerged over the years. Those traditions are what give our school color and character, and what we are expected to pass down to the younger generations of Saints to follow.
Here are just a few of the many symbols and time-honored traditions synonymous with Limestone University:
“The Rock”
Located on the site of a former Limestone mining quarry, Limestone University has been referred to as “The Rock” for countless decades. The South Carolina stone placed in the Washington Monument was mined from the quarry located on the University’s campus. Deposits from the quarry furnished lime used in the production of iron during the American Revolution and throughout the 19th century. Production at the quarry continued until the deposits were exhausted in 1953. The quarry, since filled with water, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Now known as “Lake Limestone,” the former quarry location is one of the must iconic and picturesque features on the University’s campus. In addition, a monument, known as “The Rock,” was placed at Saints Field in 1995 in memory of former men’s lacrosse player Paul Casey, who lost his life in a hiking accident in 1994. Each year, Limestone Athletics presents the "Paul Casey Award" that goes to the men's lacrosse player who "best exemplifies the values and ideas by which Paul led his life.”
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Bernie
“Bernie” De Saint is Limestone University’s beloved mascot. The 6-foot tall Saint Bernard can be found at most Limestone athletic events, and he also shows up around campus, at local elementary schools, and at special events across the area to promote Saints Athletics and Limestone University. True to his breed, Bernie is devoted to his team as a symbol of integrity, strength and loyalty.
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Victory Bell Tower
A new tradition has been adopted at Limestone with the completion of the Cunning Family Victory Bell Tower, which overlooks Lake Limestone in an area that sits between the University’s athletics and academic facilities. After every Limestone athletic victory, the Bell Tower rings out with the Limestone fight song. The Cunning Family Bell Tower area features seating areas, a flower garden, and a lighted walkway that travels from one side of campus to the other.
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Homecoming Weekend
Welcoming back students from days gone by, Limestone hosts its annual Homecoming Weekend each fall. The festivities include many homecoming events on Friday and Saturday, and the grand finale is a home football game at Saints Field.
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Christmas Luminaries
As part of Limestone’s annual “All Saints Christmas” event, the luminaries have been beloved by the local community for over three decades. The tradition of celebrating All Saints Christmas dates back to 1984 when the late Les Gregory, a former staff member and a graduate of Limestone, arranged for 200 luminaries to be lit in honor of retired Limestone University professor Lucy G. Wheeler. With that, All Saints Christmas was born. Since Gregory's inception, the luminaries have grown to over 10,000 candles. The majority of the luminaries are prepared and lit each year by Limestone student-athletes.
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