“A” 100-YEAR OLD TRADITION

In the early years, students used buckets and brooms to cover the Aggie “A” with white paint. These days, they use sprayers and generators. The technology may have changed, but the tradition lives on. And in August, hundreds of students and other volunteers trudged up a rugged hogback at the Maxwell Natural Area on the west side of Fort Collins to give the mountain monogram its annual makeover. This year was special: It marked the 100th anniversary of the painting of the “A.” The tradition began with an idea and initial work in 1923 and was completed for the first time in September 1924. The “A” reflects the university’s original nickname – the Aggies. It is 450 feet from top to bottom and 210 feet across, a landmark seen from miles away.

In a related tradition, the “A” will light up during the Friday Night Lights event as part of 2024 Homecoming and Family Weekend, Oct. 24-26.