To The Top is the slogan and official school motto The University of Southern Mississippi. Students and alumni of the university use the phrase to greet one another as well as end outgoing letters, emails, or correspondences. It is mostly used as a slogan for the school, and usually only accompanied by a gesture during athletic events and greetings. Many times the phrase "To The Top" will be accompanied by its hand signal.
The gesture and slogan are meant to represent the Universities striving to achieve the highest level of success in all facets of university life. It also is used as a representative of the mascot as Eagles are known to fly high above the land. The hand signal is made by folding all fingers except for the index finger inward towards the palm and thrusting the index finger high in the air while saying the phrase "To The Top". The sign is often seen at sporting events, especially after Southern Miss earns a first down in football. After converting and receiving a first down, the stadium pa announcer will say "Southern Miss" to which fans respond "To The Top" while making the traditional gesture.The gesture is also frequently used during the playing of the school fight song "Southern Miss To The Top". It is one of the lesser known hand signals in college athletics, but instantly recognizable to Southern Miss students, faculty, and alumni.
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