Opening in 1860, LSU has endured several closures and changes since its inception. Not even 160 years, 29 different presidents and 7 or more wars could erase the history or some of the traditions of this great institution.Enrollment has increased by approximately 1,400 times since its beginning, and LSU is still the zenith of postsecondary education in Louisiana. The school offers a plethora of majors and fields of study as well as an athletic program matched by none.Such a strong athletic department backing tremendous sports teams, school spirit and enthusiasm is a proud tradition carried on by a vast majority of the student body. Probably the biggest outlet for the athletic department and school spirit is football.With an attendance record of 93,039, this enthusiasm is a force to be reckoned with. The organism that is the LSU football fan base finds its pulse in the stands at the North side of the stadium. The source of the thunderous heartbeat is the group of 325 students in the Golden Band from Tigerland.Having the privilege to have performed as part of this ensemble, I can say that the experience is unique and truly amazing. The dynamic of fan-band interaction is a terrific tradition that amplifies the enthusiasm of the whole beyond the sum of its parts.Playing participation-encouraging musical cheers for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd offensive downs as well as a short hymn after defensive triumph, the band casts hooks into the crowd, pulling each viewer into the spectacle and calling upon his or her vocal support with melodic demand.The band fills the space between these musical commands with arrangements of popular songs to keep the crowd entertained and lively.Besides the role it plays in the stands, the band serves as an alarm calling all fans to their battle stations before the game. The “Pregame Salute,” composed of melodic excerpts from “Tiger Rag” and “Fight for LSU,” is quite possibly the most memorable experience of my life thus far. Standing on the field before the gargantuan crowd is quite intimidating as it is, but as each non-percussionist plays the first concert B-flat, there is an eruption from the voices of tens of thousands standing, watching, listening and cheering.Besides tribute to the school, Pregame includes honor to the country with a performance of the “Star Spangled Banner.” The praise of country doesn’t just come from the tradition in sports events; it also comes from the strong military influence felt by LSU.”The Old War Skule” started with 19 cadets and has maintained a military program which continues to the present day. Now the ROTC Program maintains prominence producing leaders in cadets educated in various degrees, especially scientific degrees like engineering.As an engineering student, I’m appreciative of the ever-evolving applications of science engineering creates as a fundamental basis for the school. Not only is it a large focus of the current University, but it’s a staple in its history. It even left its mark at the center of the art/sculpture garden where you can find a funny-looking symbol set in cement and bronze. It took quite some time for me to figure it out, but it is a symbol of the engineering honors society Tau Beta Pi — from the time when their buildings were engineering buildings.Now, there are 10 different majors in the College of Engineering, all continuing research and development, generating grant funding and earning further success in their respective fields.These elements of LSU history serve as a foundation for success, and continuing the traditions of excellence will ensure a magnificent future University for generations to come. And they’ve certainly made their mark on me.Matt Lousteau is a 20-year-old mechanical engineering junior from Laplace. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_mlousteau.– – – -Contact Matt Lousteau at [email protected]