Yes, “Hoya Saxa” is the official cheer and chant of Georgetown University. It is a Latin phrase that translates to “What Rocks” and refers to the Hoyas, which is the nickname for Georgetown’s athletic teams.
The History of “Hoya Saxa”
The precise origins of the phrase “Hoya Saxa” are unclear, but it has been closely associated with Georgetown University since the early 1900s. According to Georgetown’s archives, the earliest recorded use of “Hoya Saxa” was in the school newspaper The Hoya in October 1900. An article encouraged readers to yell “Hoya Saxa” at an upcoming football game against Columbian College (now George Washington University).
There are several theories about where the term “Hoya” originated:
- It may be derived from the Ancient Greek word “hoia” meaning “such” or “what.”
- It could be related to the Latin word “saxum” meaning “rock,” linking it to “Hoya Saxa.”
- One story suggests that “Hoya” refers to the hoya plant, a hardy perennial vine adapted to surviving harsh conditions. This would position the Hoyas as tenacious and resilient.
By the 1920s, newspaper reports show that “Hoya Saxa” was a common chant at Georgetown games. The phrase featured prominently in Georgetown’s fight song and became cemented as the university’s motto and rallying cry, embraced by students, alumni, and sports fans.
Traditions Around “Hoya Saxa”
Today “Hoya Saxa” is steeped in tradition at Georgetown. You can hear it chanted loudly at basketball games and other athletic events. First-year students also yell “Hoya Saxa” when they run through the main Healy Hall gates during orientation. There is even a university cheerleading squad named the Hoya Saxas.
Some other Georgetown traditions revolving around this iconic phrase include:
- New students rub the feet of the John Carroll statue for good luck when they first chant “Hoya Saxa.”
- At commencement ceremonies, graduates turn to the audience to yell “Hoya Saxa” before processing out.
- When Georgetown scores in athletic competitions, fans shout “Hoya Saxa” in celebration.
For members of the Georgetown community, chanting “Hoya Saxa” is a unifying experience that connects new students to decades of university history and alumni across generations.
The Significance of the Phrase
“Hoya Saxa” is more than just a chant for Georgetown; it encapsulates important elements of the university’s identity and culture.
Community and Camaraderie
Yelling “Hoya Saxa” inspires a sense of belonging and community, bringing students, faculty, alumni, and fans together. The phrase bonds Georgetown attendees across different backgrounds and fields of study.
Perseverance
The metaphor of the “Hoyas” as rocks conveys values like strength, resilience, and determination. This motto has motivated generations of Georgetown community members to keep pushing forward in the face of challenges.
Legacy
The enduring popularity of “Hoya Saxa” connects the Georgetown community to over a century of university history. Traditions around the chant allow students to feel part of something bigger than themselves.
School Pride
Shouting “Hoya Saxa” lets students demonstrate their school pride and excite crowds at athletic events. The phrase is synonymous with what it means to “bleed blue and gray” for Georgetown.
Use in Popular Culture
Given its strong associations with Georgetown, “Hoya Saxa” has made appearances in movies, television, books, and other media over the decades:
- In the 1980s movie St. Elmo’s Fire, the characters played by Rob Lowe and Demi Moore are Georgetown graduates and reference “Hoya Saxa.”
- ESPN broadcaster Tony Kornheiser often shouts “Hoya Saxa” during coverage of Georgetown basketball games.
- Georgetown alumnus Bradley Cooper said “Hoya Saxa” in his Oscar acceptance speech in 2019.
- In the political drama The West Wing, President Jed Bartlet is revealed to be a Georgetown alum when he says “Hoya Saxa” while walking through the White House.
These references remind broader audiences of Georgetown’s deep connections to politics, media, entertainment, and culture.
Use By Students and Alumni
For Georgetown students, alumni, and community members, the phrase “Hoya Saxa” holds a distinctive and personal resonance.
Students
Current Georgetown students use “Hoya Saxa” as a:
- Daily greeting on campus
- Way to show school pride
- Bonding experience with classmates
- Rallying cry during sports events
- Fun part of university traditions
Yelling “Hoya Saxa” reminds students they are part of the rich Georgetown tradition.
Alumni
For Georgetown alumni, “Hoya Saxa” evokes nostalgia for their college days and still rallies pride in their alma mater. When alumni reunite and chant “Hoya Saxa” together, it rekindles the sense of community they shared as students.
Georgetown graduates stay connected to the university through traditions like saying “Hoya Saxa” when they visit campus or gathering to watch Georgetown sports games.
| Decade | Notable Georgetown alumni from the decade |
|---|---|
| 2010s | Bradley Cooper, John Mulaney, Michelle Obama |
| 2000s | Paul Begala, Maureen Dowd, Madeleine Albright |
| 1990s | Bill Clinton, Patrick Ewing, Page Kennedy |
| 1980s | Chris Matthews, Lynn Swann, John Thompson Jr. |
| 1970s | Richard Gephardt, Jack Kemp, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend |
| 1960s | Pat Buchanan, Patrick Ewing, Paul Tagliabue |
This table shows some notable Georgetown alumni from the past six decades who reflect the university’s legacy of excellence and influence.
Conclusion
For over a century, “Hoya Saxa” has encapsulated the spirit, community, and heritage of Georgetown University. Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and fans unite around this iconic phrase through university traditions, sporting events, pop culture references, and campus life. Although its origins may be uncertain, “Hoya Saxa” remains an enduring reminder of what it means to be part of the Georgetown community.
