ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

Why do we say Love and Honor?

Beyond its place in our beloved Fight Song ("Love and Honor to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú…") and its use as a greeting among ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúans around the world, Love and Honor represents ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú values. In 2002, the Board of Trustees approved a Values Statement for ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú to define what Love and Honor has long meant to us:

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University is a scholarly community whose members believe that a liberal education is grounded in qualities of character as well as of intellect. We respect the dignity of other persons, the rights and property of others, and the right of others to hold and express disparate beliefs. We believe in honesty, integrity, and the importance of moral conduct. We defend the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning and combine that freedom with the exercise of judgment and the acceptance of personal responsibility.

The Code of Love and Honor is a personalized pledge derived from our Values Statement. Its first line is "I am ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú," signifying that each and every one of us, through our choices, and supporting and caring for each other, contributes to who we are and what we aspire to be—individually, yes, but also collectively—as ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúans.

Code of Love and Honor

I Am ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.

I believe... 
that a liberal education is grounded in qualities of character and intellect.

I stand... 
for honesty, integrity, and the importance of moral conduct.

I respect... 
the dignity, rights, and property of others and their right to hold and express disparate beliefs.

I defend... 
the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning.

I exercise... 
good judgment and believe in personal responsibility.

I welcome... 
a diversity of people, ideas, and experiences.

I embrace... 
the spirit, academic rigor, opportunities, and challenges of a ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Experience, preparing me to make the world a better place.

I demonstrate... 
Love and Honor by supporting and caring for my fellow ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúans.

And because I Am ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú,

I act... 
through my words and deeds in ways that reflect these values and beliefs.

With a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude,

I will... 
Love, Honor, and make proud those who help me earn the joy and privilege of saying,

"To think that in such a place, I led such a life."