IPFW: Make a Tradition, Gain Interest in College Life

The quality and often times quantity of college life typically surrounds tradition.
Over 39,000 people attend Purdue's yearly Spring Fest, and education and socialization combine for the Grand Prix that's been a tradition for over 50 years.
At Indiana University-Bloomington, the Little 500 bike race has had famous attendees like musician John Mellencamp, talk show host David Letterman and President Barack Obama among the 25,000+ other visitors and participants.
Not to mention IU is one of the top 10 college sports towns and Purdue is part of the Big Ten conference.
But, what traditions does IPFW, a combination of Purdue and IU, have? IPFW is technically a commuter college, though it seems to only keep that title as an excuse for not creating long-standing traditions and holding annual events that attract thousands, considering there are over 14,000 students enrolled, multiple new dorm buildings, apartment complexes and area businesses that cater to college students near by.
It's time to change that lack of enthusiasm for the campus. It's time to make traditions, begin to connect -- without a lecture -- to the surrounding community and attract the people and publicity that a school of its size deserves. The smoke huts shouldn't be the only places on campus to connect with people.