2002 Origin Story for the UL Hand Sign

[Turbine]

First time a publication outside of UL used the hand sign.

[Turbine]

In the last 22 years this thread has been viewed over 3000 times but at the time I cant imagine it being seen more than a few hundred.

No one in 2002 said they had seen it before.

My sister and brother-inlaw are sign language translaters.

The little I know was my impetus.

[facelessjonmoon]

First time a publication outside of UL used the hand sign.

That appears to be Tony Hills

[Ragin9221]

Great idea. UL needs to make a class called Spirit 101 i think Texas A&M has it for incoming freshmen, but no reason why we couldnt make it as a class also.

That is one way we can get student’s involved

Turbine you game lol?

[Ragin9221]

Things you can do!

Pulled this from a website!!

A university spirit class curriculum!!

Curriculum Components

1. University History and Traditions
- History: Learn about the founding, significant milestones, and notable alumni.
- Traditions: Explore long-standing traditions, such as homecoming, pep rallies, and unique campus events.

2. Mascot and Symbols
- Mascot History: Understand the origin and evolution of the university mascot.

My qoute “ we dont have one”

3. Cheer and Chants
- Fight Songs: Learn the lyrics and history behind the university fight songs.
- Chants and Cheers: Practice popular chants and cheers used at sports games and events.

4. Game Day Experience
- Tailgating: Learn about tailgating traditions and how to participate.
- Sports Teams: Get to know the different sports teams and key players.

5. Campus Involvement
- Clubs and Organizations: Explore various student clubs, organizations, and how to get involved.
- Volunteer Opportunities:
Discover ways to give back to the community through volunteer work.

6. Spirit Building Activities
- Pep Rallies: Participate in or plan pep rallies to boost school spirit.
- Spirit Competitions: Engage in friendly competitions, such as best-dressed spirit day or banner-making contests.

7. Community Engagement
- Local Partnerships: Learn about partnerships with local businesses and how they support the university.
- Community Events: Participate in community events that promote university spirit and pride.

Practical Components

1. Hands-On Workshops
Cheerleading
Workshops on cheerleading skills and routines.
- Banner Making: Learn how to create spirit banners and signs for events.

2. Guest Speakers
- Alumni: Hear from alumni who have made significant contributions to the university and community.
- Athletes and Coaches: Listen to stories and insights from current athletes and coaches.

3. Field Trips
- Historical Sites: Visit important historical sites on campus.
- Sports Facilities: Tour sports facilities and learn about their history and significance.

Evaluation Components

1. Projects and Presentations
- Research Project: Conduct research on a specific aspect of university history or tradition and present findings.
- Creative Project: Create a new chant, cheer, or spirit activity and present it to the class.

2. Participation
- Active Participation: Engage actively in all class activities, discussions, and events.
- Event Attendance: Attend a certain number of university events, such as sports games and pep rallies.

[moorecajun]

Great idea. UL needs to make a class called Spirit 101 i think Texas A&M has it for incoming freshmen, but no reason why we couldnt make it as a class also.

That is one way we can get student’s involved

Turbine you game lol?

I totally agree and would help support, as well as I expect a lot of you CAJUN fans would!

[Turbine]

Louisiana's 2004 yearbook has regular hands and finger drawings on the cover like a theme.

On the inside there are thousands of pictures but only 3 doing the i Love UL hand sign.

The other 1000+ pictures from 2004 actually look strange by todays standards with fans in casual group pictures not knowing what to do with their hands. Some folded, some holding their other hand some limp by their side.

That doesn't happen today.

I would love to, see a UL hand count each yearbook over the last 20 years.

First 3 ever so it was a, start.

[Turbine]

2005 L'Acadien Yearbook has hand gestures galore.

But only about 6 with the UL hand sign.

There is one with about 10 or so students wearing Babb for Heisman shirts and a half dozen of them are doing the i Love UL hand sign. Not yet aware of what Boomer trained us to do. Use your right hand for pictures.

Cayenne continued to be the biggest proponent of the UL hand sign

As far as all the other photos doing signs (and besides the greek signs) you can see the students knowing something is gaining steam but not being fully aware of what it is.

Three or four pictures with just the pinky and thumb.

One picture of just the L but pointed like a gun.

A few pictures where the forefinger is pointed up and the 3 other index fingers are touching the thumb.

Two pictures with the A OK sign. Forefinger on thumb rest of the fingers in the air.

Mistakes aside it was starting to go viral.

[Turbine]

2006 L'Acadien Yearbook

Not much focus on school spirit in the edition. Still there were some notables.

First pictures of students in the stands showing UL pride with only their hands

First pictures of cheerleaders showing I Love UL hand signs.

Cayenne continued to take the lead in doing the hand sign.

[Turbine]

2007 L'Acadien Yearbook

Full blown acceptance. Not due to the quantity of the pictures in the yearbook, rather the quantity of individuals showing organic UL handsigns in the pictures that made it to publication.

Early in the yearbook there is a group photo with multiple fans (first page past the intro page) in Las Vegas showing their UL Pride in a way that generations prior could not do.