Recent UMSL alum Isabelle Hermann is one of only 14 people who have earned a commencement medal by completing the final phase of Triton Traditions, and she is the first person to achieve the ultimate goal of finishing every challenge issued by the program. (Photo courtesy of UMSL Advancement)
By Kala Dunn, University Advancement
When University of Missouri–St. Louis alum Isabelle Hermann crossed the commencement stage last May, she became a member of an elite group. Isabelle was one of only 14 people who have earned a commencement medal by completing the final phase of Triton Traditions, and she is the first person to achieve the ultimate goal of finishing every challenge issued by the program.
“I decided to participate in the Triton Traditions program not just because of the free medal, but the most important part was for the adventure,” Hermann said. “This was a great way for me to reflect on my time here at UMSL.”
Triton Traditions celebrates the rich history of UMSL, ensuring that cherished campus experiences get handed down to the next generation of students.
“The Triton Traditions Challenge program began in the summer of 2023 before UMSL’s 60th anniversary celebration,” said Jennifer Jezek-Taussig, associate vice chancellor for alumni engagement. “We thought it would be a fun way for students to learn more about UMSL’s history and campus while earning points for giveaways.”
Motivated by the promise of Triton gear, UMSL students complete a series of challenges that guide them in discovering aspects of campus life they might not otherwise encounter.
Participating students choose from a list of over 60 challenges to attempt, and along the way they are sure to get a taste of everything from the artistic offerings of the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center to the intellectual delights of the St. Louis Mercantile Library. They might opt to locate a campus mural, attend an athletics event, climb the rock wall at the Recreation and Wellness Center, volunteer during the MLK Week of Service or run in the UMSL 5K to fulfill their challenge requirements. Each activity is designed to help students deepen their relationship with the UMSL community while making memories to last a lifetime.
“The idea behind the program was to build and foster campus pride, a sense of community and to make sure the Office of Alumni Engagement was not only serving alumni but also our future alums – current students,” said Jezek-Taussig.
In addition to providing students with an incentive to explore the fun activities and beautiful locations available on the UMSL campus, Triton Traditions serves the practical purpose of introducing students to essential support services. One of the challenges is connecting with a professor during office hours, while another is visiting the University Tutoring Center. Knowing where and how to find these kinds of services can be a determining factor in whether a student completes their degree.
“Triton Traditions offers students the chance to discover a resource that they might not be aware of, like career coaching and resume prep from UMSL Career Services,” Jezek-Taussig said. “I think the greatest benefit of the Triton Traditions Challenge is the chance to get out on campus and make connections with the spaces, events and people of UMSL.”
While students receive intangible benefits from participating in the program, they also have the opportunity to earn prizes to showcase their school spirit. Smaller items are awarded at various points along the Triton Traditions path, but only those who complete 40 challenges receive the top honor: a special Triton Traditions medal to wear with their commencement regalia.
“The medal is amazing,” Hermann said. “It felt great wearing it around the commencement ceremony.”
Students who want to participate in the Triton Traditions program for the chance to earn a medal of their own can sign up through the Triton Connect app.
“I think other students should participate in the Triton Traditions challenge if they like adventure and exploration,” Hermann said. “I had three wonderful years at UMSL, full of ups and downs, overnight late study and getting projects done on time. I met many wonderful and beautiful people from around the world and made a lifetime of friends. I am going to miss UMSL. The journey here created many memories with a lifetime of experiences and lessons that I will take with me in the future.”
