To the Dandelion Yellow We Will E'er Be True

In 1861, the University of Rochester moved to a new campus. It had just one building, some houses for faculty, and ample open land--land full of dandelions.

The students began a tradition of wearing dandelions in their lapels. In the 1890s, dandelion yellow was chosen as the official school color. The student newspaper reporting on the athletic teams, called them "The Dandelion Yellows." Songs were written with dandelion motifs. As new buildings were designed, dandelions were used as architectural flourishes. Songs were even written about dandelions!

To the Dandelion Yellow We Will E'er Be True