This Friday, the University of Maine will celebrate a special milestone: the 50th anniversary of Rudy Vallée Day. To honor the occasion, UMaine’s Traditions Societies, the Senior Skulls Society, All Maine Women, Sophomore Owls, and Sophomore Eagles, will gather on the front steps of Fogler Library to lead the campus in a rousing performance of the “Maine Stein Song” at 4pm.
The event brings together a tradition that has united generations of Black Bears: singing the Stein Song, the only college song to ever top the national music charts. Rudy Vallée, a UMaine student in the 1920s, brought the tune to the world when he recorded it in 1929. His performance turned a local fight song into a national hit and made him one of America’s biggest entertainers.
The State of Maine proclaimed the first Rudy Vallée Day in 1975, when Vallée returned to Orono for his 50th class reunion. Fifty years later, students will once again honor his legacy by singing on Fogler’s steps — a fitting backdrop, since the library also houses UMaine’s Stein Collection, a tribute to the song’s history.
Event Details:
What: 50th Anniversary Rudy Vallée Day – Maine Stein Song Celebration
When: Friday, October 10, 2025 at 4pm
Where: Steps of Fogler Library, University of Maine, Orono
Who: Senior Skull Society, All Maine Women, students, alumni, and local community
“This is about more than just a song,” said a Senior Skull member helping to organize the performance. “It’s about the traditions that bring UMaine together. Generations of students have sung the Stein Song at games, rallies, and reunions – now it’s our turn to carry it forward.”
All students, alumni, and community members are invited to attend, join in the singing, and celebrate UMaine pride. After the performance, visitors are welcome to stop inside Fogler to view the historic Nelson B. Jones Stein Collection.
For more information and any questions, please contact Jasper Makowski at jasper.makowski@maine.edu
