Once you’re on the hilltop, you’re in Topper Territory, a land rich in university traditions and Hilltopper pride! Show your school spirit by participating in our university traditions, cheering on our athletes, following our mascot Topper and wearing your St. Ed’s gear.
University Traditions
Our identity, character and optimism are demonstrated in campus rituals and celebrations that reflect the welcoming spirit and generosity that defines our Holy Cross educational experience worldwide.
Hilltopper Athletics
The Lone Star Conference covers a lot of ground — four states (Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas) that total more than a half-million square miles of the U.S. Supporting your Hilltopper teams is a great way to discover the Heartland beyond Austin.
Learn more about Hilltopper Athletics and about Topper. Follow Topper on social media to find out about Topper pride events happening on campus.
Spirit and Pride Programs
Gain a sense of Hilltopper pride and tradition by participating in these spirited activities, organizations and events.
A Lifelong Connection
Our time on the hilltop shapes us for the rest of our lives. As we take what we learn from the Holy Cross tradition away from Austin and into the rest of the world, we become part of a growing community of alumni united by our shared experiences. As a symbol of our connections to each other and to the university, St. Edward’s has worked closely with Balfour to design an official University Ring available to graduating students and alumni.
University Ring Ceremony
Hilltoppers’ lifelong connection to each other, the St. Edward’s community and our Holy Cross values are captured in the symbolism of the University Ring. Each year, graduating students honor this distinction at the University Ring ceremony held under the Sorin Oak.
Eligibility
Individuals eligible to purchase a ring include:
- Alumni
- Undergraduate students who have completed 90 credit hours
- Graduate students who have submitted application for graduation on myHilltop
Contact the Registrar, your advising specialist or view your unofficial transcript under the My Academic Profile task in myHilltop to verify eligibility.
Ordering
All eligible students (90+ credit hours completed) or alumni can order a ring by one of the following ways:
- online, via Balfour's website
- by phone at 1-866-225-3687
If you would like to view a physical ring, please stop by the University Bookstore or the Office of Student Involvement.
University Ring Symbols
History
In the fall of 2012, three students approached the university hoping to create a new tradition that would become a source of lifelong pride for Hilltoppers. Their idea has now become a reality. Designed by and for St. Edward’s University students, the official ring captures the very essence of the university.
Four beloved symbols were chosen to celebrate the tradition and history of life on the hilltop. Recognizable around the world as an icon of St. Edward’s, the red doors bring students full circle during the Legacy Walk that begins freshman year and concludes at Hilltop Send Off. Main Building stands grandly at the heart of our famed hilltop campus as it has since 1888. Sorin Oak, named for our founder, Father Edward Sorin, creates a serene and profound place for students. The university seal represents our Holy Cross heritage and our Texan identity, reminding students of the soul of St. Edward’s.
The ring commemorates your academic success as a student at St. Edward’s. As a common bond shared between past and future graduates, it identifies you as a member of the Hilltopper family.
On Tuesdays, we wear St. Edward’s University blue and gold! Wear your SEU gear every Tuesday and enjoy great discounts — just for being a Hilltopper.
On-Campus Discounts
Campus Bookstore
25% off items in the bookstore
(limit 1 per person, per Tuesday)
Topper Tender accepted
Community Partner Discounts
Cabo Bob’s
Free chips and queso with any purchase
500 E. Ben White
Topper Tender accepted
Con Madre Kitchen
1 Free Drink Per Purchase – choose between Jamaica, Tamarindo or Horchata*
628 E. Oltorf Street
Topper Tender accepted
*Limit one per person, per day; Excludes specialty beverages and Limonada
Jersey Mike’s Subs
Free 22 oz. drink and chip combo with purchase of any sub*
*Limit 1 free combo per sub order; May not be combined with any other coupons;
Valid only at 600 E. Ben White location
Southside Flying Pizza
15% off
2206 S. Congress Ave.
Topper Tender accepted
Pluckers Wing Bar
1 Free appetizer with purchase of 2 adult entrees*
3909-B S. Lamar
*Appetizer sampler excluded; Dine-in only
Interested in partnering with us to provide a discount on Topper Tuesday? Fill out the Community Partner Participation Form.
What is a Hillraiser?
A passionate fan and supporter of all things St. Edward’s. From cheering at athletic games, to being the loudest group at any St. Edward’s University event, Hillraisers “bleed” blue and gold.
How to Join
- Come to the next Hillraisers Huddle, where we get ready and pumped just before the games.
- List “Hillraisers” as a Student Org in your Topper Pride app profile.
- Join us on CollegiateLink.
- Follow us on social media: Instagram - Twitter - #SEUGameDay
- Subscribe to the weekly newsletter to get information about upcoming Hillraisers events!
Come out and join the fun as we cheer on our Hilltopper teams. Collect points on your Topper Pride app to enter a raffle to win prizes during our game-day rallies. But remember, you have to be at the game to win.)
Go to the Hilltopper Athletics to see game schedules for every sport. All games are free entry with a valid SEU ID.
Need more information? Email us at spirit@erare.net.
Battle of the Saints is an annual athletic competition between St. Edward’s University and St. Mary’s University, our biggest rival.
Each year, the two schools compete against each other in 11 different sports (men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s golf, baseball and softball) earning a point for each competition they win (women’s golf is decided by whoever finishes higher in the Heartland Conference Tournament; men’s golf plays a preseason match-play scrimmage).
The school with the most points at the end of the academic year wins Battle of the Saints.
Stay Tuned
Check out the complete game schedule for all home and away matches with St. Mary’s, and make your plans to attend. Keep an eye on the St. Edward’s events calendar, too, for upcoming games and details about Hillraiser Spirit Parties, where you can pick up a BOTS (Bring on the Saints) shirt, face tattoos and banners.
Collect Reward Points with the Topper Pride App
Get the most up-to-date game and rewards information by downloading the Topper Pride app.
Earn points at all home games and select campus events, and redeem your points for awesome rewards!
17 Favorite Hilltop Traditions
Being a Hilltopper means being a part of many traditions that connect you to your fellow classmates, faculty and alumni. Here’s a preview of some of our beloved traditions that will shape and guide your St. Edward’s experience.