When the clock struck midnight, a deafening cacophony echoed across AU’s dark campus.

Ahhhhhhhhh.

With the fall semester drawing to a close, about 400 Eagles gathered at 11:30 p.m. on December 7 for the Winter Quad Scream—a pre-pandemic tradition revived this year to celebrate the last day of classes, destress before finals, and build community. The event was hosted by the AU Spirit and Traditions Board, AU Student Government, and the Residence Hall Association.

“To hear everyone scream like that—so unified—and to see that many people come together and support each other was really powerful,” said Jackson Dietz, SOC/BA ’25, director of the AU Spirit and Traditions Board. “Even though finals is a stressful time, [students] can look forward to screaming really loud with their friends.”

The next campuswide scream will be held before spring finals.