{"id":108914,"date":"2026-01-30T10:48:21","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T15:48:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/news\/?p=108914"},"modified":"2026-01-30T16:23:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T21:23:51","slug":"devil-goat-alumni-challenge-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-treasured-tradition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.umw.edu\/news\/2026\/01\/30\/devil-goat-alumni-challenge-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-treasured-tradition\/","title":{"rendered":"Devil-Goat Alumni Challenge Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Treasured Tradition"},"content":{"rendered":"

A uniquely University of Mary Washington celebration, Devil-Goat Day pits students graduating in odd years (Devils) against those graduating in even years (Goats). Over the decades, the friendly rivalry has transformed into a lively contest of fun and games to celebrate the end of the academic year and give students a respite before final exams.<\/p>

With the beloved event’s 100th anniversary approaching on April 23, the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement has launched the inaugural Devil-Goat Alumni Challenge<\/strong><\/a>, giving Mary Washington graduates across generations a chance to get in on the action.<\/p>

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The University of Mary Washington celebrates the 100th anniversary of one of its oldest and most beloved traditions, Devil-Goat Day, on April 23, 2026. UMW’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement has launched the Devil-Goat Alumni Challenge, giving graduates across generations the chance to get in on the action. <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>

“For many alumni, Devil-Goat Day was an important part of their Mary Washington experience, while others are discovering and embracing it for the first time,” said Mark Thaden ’02, associate vice president for alumni and donor engagement. “It’s a powerful reminder that even century-old traditions can create opportunities to engage, reconnect and celebrate our alma mater.”<\/p>

Devil-Goat Day dates to 1926, when Mary Washington juniors picked a green goat as their class symbol, pinning it to their shirts. Not to be outdone, seniors selected a red devil as their emblem.<\/p>

Today’s students engage in a spirited competition that fills campus with giant inflatables, carnival-like contests, tasty treats and more. With bragging rights at stake, seniors and sophomores compete against juniors and first-year students in obstacle courses and lawn games, culminating in an epic tug-of-war battle.<\/p>

“To me, Devil-Goat Day is such a significant part of Mary Washington’s identity, as our oldest and largest campus tradition,” said Shad Yoder ’25, who organized the event during all four of his college years as part of UMW’s Class Council. Now a Young Alumni Council member, he’s excited to return to volunteer for the event this spring. “I’ve always loved to see the enthusiasm and intensity that students bring to the competition, and I’m excited to experience it as an alum.”<\/p>

This milestone year promises to be even more spectacular, with a campus-wide Devil-Goat printmaking event organized by Assistant Professor of Art Coorain Devin, supported by a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant<\/a>. Team Goat also got a boost when Good Steward Farm welcomed a dozen goats to campus<\/a> this winter to clear invasive plants in a sustainable manner.<\/p>

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The Devil-Goat Alumni Challenge gives graduates across generations the opportunity to join in the fun and support their alma mater. <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>

Running from January through May, the Devil-Goat Alumni Challenge mirrors the on-campus competition, giving grads the chance to earn participation points and prizes by engaging with their alma mater in meaningful ways. Participants, who will track points using a reporting form<\/a> (following the UMW Honor System<\/a>), can complete activities at any time throughout the challenge, but each month will feature a special spotlight category:<\/p>

January – Be an Admissions Advocate: <\/strong><\/p>