University of Bridgeport has come a long way since being the first two-year junior college in New England. Today, the University is a fully accredited undergraduate and graduate school with accolades like having the first Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering in the northeast, the first Ph.D. in Technology Management in the northeast, and the first master’s degree in Nutrition in the nation. UB has a rich history and a longstanding commitment to higher education, diversity, and community-building.

UB alums are frontline healthcare workers, policymakers, engineers, scientists, mental health counselors, educators, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Since UB’s earliest days, being a purple knight has meant so much to many. Here are some ways UB students and alums have remained connected through UB’s history and traditions.

PT Barnum and the UB Connection

The famous entertainer and former Mayor of Bridgeport has a unique connection to University of Bridgeport and our beautiful seaside campus. Among the many things PT Barnum is known for, he is well known for commissioning the construction of several famous mansions and estates throughout the Bridgeport area. University of Bridgeport’s campus was home to PT Barnum’s Marina mansion — the location of the Marina mansion is now where UB’s Marina Dining Hall sits.

The PT Barnum Connection Today

PT Barnum is most famous for the Barnum and Bailey Circus, established in 1871. Jumbo the Elephant became a centerpiece of the Barnum and Bailey circus in 1882. Rumors speculate that the true final resting place of Jumbo the Elephant’s bones is somewhere on UB’s campus. To this day, no one knows the truth behind this rumor…or do they? (Don’t ask the English department.)

Wear Purple on Fridays.

We don’t know exactly when this tradition first started, but many UB faculty, staff, and students wear purple on Fridays to show their #purpleknightpride!

Don’t Pass Through the Pedestrian Mall if You Want to Graduate on Time.

Most students refuse to pass through the circle in the pedestrian mall on campus. The superstition is that you won’t graduate on time if you walk through the circle. A few daring students, however, take the risk. Some even say walking through the circle means you could graduate early!

But what happens if you walk through the circle more than once…?

Rub Wahlstrom’s Nose for Good Luck.

Magnus Wahlstrom was a Bridgeport area business owner prominent in the manufacturing industry. Through his generosity, UB was able to build the Wahlstrom Library. Outside the Wahlstrom building, you’ll find a bronze relief sculpture of Wahlstrom’s face.

During midterms and finals, you’ll find students (and perhaps faculty) rubbing the nose of Magnus Wahlstrom as they pass by. It’s said that rubbing Wahlstrom’s nose will give you good luck on your midterms and finals!

Wahlstrom’s nose is worn down from years of giving UB students good luck on their exams!

Take a Plunge in Long Island Sound to Start Your UB Career Off Right!

First-year students have adopted the tradition of going to the shoreline and taking a dip in Long Island Sound to mark the beginning of their UB journey!

Fresh Check Days for Self-Care and Mental Health Awareness

At the beginning of each semester, UB puts on a Fresh Check Day for students in the gym. Students visit with the counseling staff, participate in activities, snuggle with therapy dogs, and get tips on self-care and mental health awareness. UB students love this opportunity to take a break from their studies, relax, and learn more about protecting their mental health.

Midnight Breakfast

Each semester during finals week, UB students come down to a midnight breakfast put on by faculty and staff. Students are treated to a delicious meal and get together to support one another through finals. Although it’s called a midnight breakfast, it’s more of a not-quite-at-midnight breakfast — we want our students to get the rest they need to ace their final exams!

Check Out the Parakeets on Campus!

Bridgeport, and especially Seaside Park right next to UB, is home to a beautiful population of South American Monk Parakeets. The birds showed up in Bridgeport more than 50 years ago —no one truly knows how they came to take up residence around UB.

Some say a truck accident on I-95 released these birds into the wild. According to the Connecticut Audubon Society, they are the only wild parrots in our area. Experts believe they were in captivity before being accidentally released into Bridgeport. They tend to prefer the urban and suburban areas along the shoreline — you’ll often see them around UB’s campus. They have even adapted to survive our cold winters. Wildlife Biologist, Brian Hess, believes that their large communal nests have helped them acclimate to our New England climate. They are best known for their bright colors and loud singing (Source).

Tag @ubridgeport on Instagram if you happen to get a selfie with these beautiful parrots!

Don’t Walk Through Barnum’s Arch.

Another superstition that many UB students and alum abide by is walking, or rather not walking, through Barnum’s arch. The arch that famously led up to Barnum’s Marina Mansion is still on campus. Many believe it is bad luck to walk through the archway. There are only two times that it’s acceptable to walk through the archway — at first-year orientation and graduation.

Athletics at UB

Sports at all levels are filled with superstitions and traditions — and it’s no different at UB. You’ll find teams hyper-focused on “protecting the port” at home games, chanting the same cheer UB teams have sung for decades, and psyching themselves up before games in a pre-game huddle.

Watching UB home games is a beloved tradition for many of our students!

When you become a UB purple knight, you’ll experience our exciting campus filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and understand what it means to be a part of a vibrant community!

To learn more about what it means to be a UB student, reach out to us today!