Traditions and Lore
The UES Train
The UES train was, is and will always be the true symbol of a Western Engineer. Engineers across the nation recognize it and every student, faculty, and department at this school respect it. It is something you are privileged with as a Western Engineering student. The UES train is a symbol of the knowledge, the wisdom, and the responsibility that is essential in becoming a Western Engineer.
Purple
In 1863, the British Royal Navy issued a memorandum that assigned color-coded patches to different worker departments. The engineers were assigned the color purple, thereby marking the inception of the first division of engineers. These engineers were the saviors of the ships, fixing issues, bailing out floodwater, and dousing flames. Most of their work was conducted in the furnace-like intensity of the boiler rooms where the heat was so intense that the purple stripes or patches on their uniforms would bleed onto their skin, staining it purple.
Remember. YOU ARE NOT PURPLE.
Boilersuits
For all engineering students, the boilersuit is a badge of belonging. Western engineers wear grey boilersuits, each one earned through engagement, dedication, and spirit. No two are ever the same: some are stitched full of conference patches, others carry swapped sleeves or collars from engineers across the country. With every event attended, patch sewn, or piece traded, your boilersuit becomes heavier with stories..
Coveralls
Our Sophs wear the iconic white coveralls, affectionately called “covies.” During O-Week and other engineering events, these stand out across campus as a proud symbol of mentorship, leadership, and engineering spirit. Covies connect Western to the wider tradition of Canadian engineering culture while also carrying their own unique Western identity.
Leather Jackets
Typically, students treat themselves to an eng jacket at the dawn of their second year, once they've nailed down their chosen engineering specialty. After all, it would certainly be a faux pas to flaunt a jacket emblazoned with 'Software' if you've charted your course into the realm of Civil engineering. The price tag on these jackets generally hovers around $520. Yes, leather can be a bit on the pricey side, but remember it's locally sourced and crafted with precision! It may seem like a splurge, but when the opportunity presents itself, you should seriously contemplate snagging one. These jackets are not just fashion statements, but they're also a cherished tradition that resonates across numerous Canadian engineering schools!
Lady Godiva
In 1863, the British Royal Navy issued a memorandum that assigned color-coded patches to different worker departments. The engineers were assigned the color purple, thereby marking the inception of the first division of engineers. These engineers were the saviors of the ships, fixing issues, bailing out floodwater, and dousing flames. Most of their work was
According to the well-known tale, Lady Godiva, moved by the plight of the people of Coventry under her husband's harsh taxation regime, persistently pleaded for their relief. Despite her repeated appeals, her husband staunchly refused to abolish the tolls. Eventually, he grew tired of her entreaties and declared that he would fulfill her request if she agreed to ride through the town completely nude. Lady Godiva accepted his challenge and, after issuing an announcement that all inhabitants should remain indoors and close their windows, she embarked on her daring ride, shrouded only by her lengthy tresses.
Despite her warning, a tailor who would later earn the infamous moniker of 'Peeping Tom', flagrantly defied her instruction in what would become one of the most notorious acts of voyeurism. In the narrative, Tom clandestinely drills a hole in his shutters to catch a glimpse of Lady Godiva as she passed, and in turn, he was struck blind. Ultimately, Lady Godiva's husband remained true to his word and rescinded the burdensome taxes.
Within the halls of many university engineering departments, military engineering corps, and similar engineering organizations, Lady Godiva is celebrated as a symbolic figure and is fondly referred to as the "Patron Saint of Engineers" or the "Goddess of Engineering". A unique tradition linked with this honor involves the singing of drinking songs that make reference to Lady Godiva, with 'Godiva's Hymn' being particularly popular.
in the furnace-like intensity of the boiler rooms where the heat was so intense that the purple stripes or patches on their uniforms would bleed onto their skin, staining it purple.
TAAMJESR
The Ancient and Mystical Jew Encrusted Slide Ruler (TAAMJESR) was cultivated from a seed birthed by the legendary Godiva, a timeless tree broke through the crust of the Earth, ordained for an extraordinary destiny. This tree, favored by nature, stood resilient and unwavering against all that sought to hinder it. One auspicious day, a man of destiny sought solace under the broad spread of this tree. Sensing the man's inherent greatness, the tree gifted its fruit to the solitary figure beneath. This simple gesture catalyzed not only the birth of modern physics, but the inception of an unparalleled instrument. It was in the hands of Sir Isaac Newton that our cherished slide rule first saw the light of day. The slide rule's acrylic, crystallized from the maiden's inaugural perspiration, its steel molded in the scorching fires of Earth's molten heart and tempered in the emotive tears of a noble steed. Its sun-kissed paint, derived from a seed cast off by the radiant Sun itself. And its gemstones, meticulously shaped from a mythical mineral known only to a select few. A substance surpassing the hardness of a diamond, exhibiting strength greater than Hercules's rock, and possessing a luster of pure, undiluted desire. Through the passage of time, its prominence has ebbed and flowed. It has been both openly exhibited and clandestinely stowed away. Today, the slide rule reemerges for the world to behold, under the vigilant guardianship of its dedicated protectors, the Guardians!
Pranks
Engineers are famed for their occasional antics that showcase their inventive problem solving skills coupled with a dash of humor. In the annals of our university, there are numerous instances of such memorable pranks, some traditional ones that invariably catch the administration off guard. The relationship between arts and engineering students, over the ages, has been laced with a sort of playful rivalry. Frequently, the "Artsies" try their hand at pranking the Engineers. However, their efforts typically end with the Engineers responding in kind, but with a higher degree of effectiveness - all in the spirit of fun, naturally.
During the mid-1990s, a group of Engineers expressed their opinion about the type of classes offered at Middlesex College in a unique way: by placing a Mickey Mouse Face, designed on plywood, atop the college clock. A slot was carved out so the face could be removed from behind the clock hands at exactly 5:27. Unfortunately, "unforeseen delays" meant that the face remained up for an additional 12 hours. On April Fool’s Day 1997, Engineers disassembled a steel structure from Concrete Beach and then reassembled it inside the UCC atrium. This prompted the sculpture's creator to bill $1400 for his time and labor to rebuild it. The Engineers, in turn, sent an invoice for the time taken to disassemble the structure, leaving the artist in debt to the Engineers. The cheque, it appears, is still in the mail.
In a daring night-time escapade in 1962, Engineers orchestrated the removal of all toilet seats across every building within the span of an hour. The purloined seats were held for ransom - the condition for their return being a date with the UES president to the engineering formal.