Celebrating Samford's Iconic Tradition

Image. Crimson article, October 1951

With the start of a new Spring Semester comes Step Sing! This beloved tradition brings the Samford community together, blending creativity, camaraderie, and competition.

Step Sing began in 1951 when Samford University was still known as Howard College. That inaugural event, then called “Singspiration,” took place on the steps of Renfroe Hall when the school was in East Lake.

Photo. Renfroe Hall, East Lake Campus, 1949

After the college moved to its current location, Step Sing continued to evolve. Originally hosted in locations like Seibert Hall and the campus cafeteria, the event settled into its permanent home at the Wright Center in 1976, providing space for larger audiences and more sophisticated productions.

The competition continued to grow in popularity so much so that discussion took place in 1971 to expand Step Sing from 1 to 2 nights to allow more audience members to attend. It wasn’t until 1972 that Step Sing became a multiple night event.

There was no award given at the 1951 Singspiration. Over the decades, Step Sing has transformed from a casual singalong into a full-scale production with choreography and creative storytelling. The first documented winners were in 1953 when the Crimson reported, “Pi Kappa Alpha and Young Women’s Auxiliary win again.” Step Sing has become a highlight of campus life and an event that unites the whole campus, alumni, and the community.

Photo. Freshman Step Sing winners, 1992

Photo. Cal Mostella and Matt Snow claiming the Sweepstakes trophy for Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, 1993

2025 marks the 56th anniversary of the coveted Sweepstakes Award, which has been an integral part of Step Sing since 1969. That first Sweepstakes went to Alpha Phi Omega. The current trophy was designed by Craig Hyde, a 1994 Samford graduate who studied graphic design. The trophy was introduced in 1993 and went to Pi Kappa Phi. Hyde’s creation celebrates its 32nd anniversary in 2025 and has become an enduring symbol of excellence in Step Sing, proudly raised high by each year’s champions.

Step Sing isn’t just about the performances, though—it’s also about making a difference. Proceeds from the event have benefited various charities, with Step Sing participants raising over $65,000 between 2015 and 2019 alone. In 2020, the university introduced the Step Sing Endowed Scholarship to honor the dedication of student performers who work tirelessly to create memorable shows. Since 2020, the scholarship has added a special moment to the tradition, with the recipient being announced on stage during the Saturday evening performance, adding another meaningful moment to an already much-loved event.

From its humble beginnings on the steps of Renfroe Hall to the dazzling productions we see today, Step Sing has become an enduring symbol of Samford students’ spirit and creativity.