Rally Week Takes Off as a New RPI Tradition

A new tradition launched at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute this September as students, student organizations, academic schools, campus departments, and local businesses came together for the inaugural Rally Week, held September 13–19. 

The student-led celebration brought a full week of activities to campus under the theme “’80s Liftoff.” The schedule ranged from team competitions and a talent show to Dorm Wars, Casino Royale, a downtown Collar City Crawl, and a finale featuring food, performances, and awards.  

In addition to the more than 150 students who signed up, 51 student organizations, all five of RPI’s schools, 10 campus departments, and 30 local businesses participated.  

Rally Week grew from an idea conceived in late April by students Julian Arnold ’27, Ethan Behar ’27, and Ekantika Shankar ’27. The event was inspired by welcome-week traditions at other colleges and the success of RPI’s Touch Grass Music Festival. The organizers hoped to use existing campus resources to create an experience that could bring the student body together. 

In addition to the five schools, campus partners included Student Experience, First-Year Experience, Student Living & Learning, Auxiliary Services, and the Center for Career and Professional Development. 

“Our goal was to see if RPI is willing to come together to create a new tradition,” said Behar. “The answer is a resounding yes. This year proved that our community, including our alumni, is ready to rally around a student-led tradition if given the opportunity.”