University of Dallas Celebrates Groundhog Day with Beloved Tradition

Annual event brings together students, alumni, and faculty in a unique display of community spirit.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The University of Dallas has a long-standing tradition of celebrating Groundhog Day in grand fashion, with an annual weekend-long event that has become a cornerstone of the school's identity. What started as a challenge from the university president in the 1960s has grown into the second-largest Groundhog Day celebration in the nation, surpassed only by the famous festivities in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

Why it matters

The Groundhog celebration at the University of Dallas is more than just a quirky campus event - it's a beloved tradition that brings the entire community together in a way that few other schools can match. The event, which features a wide range of activities and culminates in a massive party, helps to forge bonds between students, alumni, and faculty that last long after the weekend is over.

The details

The Groundhog celebration at the University of Dallas kicks off on Thursday night with the crowning of a Groundhog King and Queen, followed by a weekend of events like a charity Powder Puff football game, a 5K race, and alumni vs. student sporting matches. The main event is the legendary Party in the Park on Saturday night, where generations of the UD family gather under the stars to roast marshmallows, enjoy live music, and revel in the community spirit.

  • The University of Dallas launched its first Groundhog party in 1963.
  • The Groundhog celebration has been held annually for over 60 years.

The players

Donald Cowan

Former University of Dallas president who challenged students in 1962 to 'think of something to celebrate — celebrate Groundhog Day, for instance–but whatever you do, do it with style.'

Randall Edington

University of Dallas alumnus who notes that 'Groundhog is unique because it IS; how many schools have a Groundhog Day celebration? Especially where groundhogs aren't even native?'

Joe Teson

A junior at the University of Dallas who says that 'It's our way of seriously celebrating something ridiculous.'

Theodore Andrews

A freshman at the University of Dallas who says that 'Groundhog is special because it draws the whole community.'

Moey Brown

The University of Dallas' director of student engagement, who said that 'Groundhog is what makes the University of Dallas special. It brings together students, alumni and faculty in a way no other event does.'

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What they’re saying

“Groundhog is unique because it IS; how many schools have a Groundhog Day celebration? Especially where groundhogs aren't even native?”

— Randall Edington, University of Dallas alumnus (thecorchronicle.com)

“It's our way of seriously celebrating something ridiculous.”

— Joe Teson, Junior (thecorchronicle.com)

“Groundhog is special because it draws the whole community.”

— Theodore Andrews, Freshman (thecorchronicle.com)

“Groundhog is what makes the University of Dallas special. It brings together students, alumni and faculty in a way no other event does.”

— Moey Brown, Director of Student Engagement (thecorchronicle.com)

What’s next

The University of Dallas community eagerly anticipates the arrival of another Groundhog Day celebration, as students, alumni, and faculty plan for the upcoming weekend of festivities.

The takeaway

The Groundhog Day celebration at the University of Dallas is a unique tradition that brings the entire community together in a display of school spirit and unity, proving that even the most seemingly ridiculous events can carry profound meaning when embraced with enthusiasm and a sense of shared identity.