In 1927 Dean Leroy Allen put the Southwestern College nickname (Mound builders) into action. Since that time students and faculty have been decorating rocks and placing them on a mound during an annual ceremony. It's a one-of-a-kind tradition among colleges worldwide! You can see the growing mound at the northeast side of the parking lot at 1st and College. At this point take note too, of the long flight of 77 steps leading to Christy Hall, a feature since 1910.