College Traditions
Check out some of the traditions that bring our community together.
Some of our traditions are steeped in religion and reflection. Others give us a chance to celebrate our accomplishments. A few are just plain fun.
Explore Campus Traditions
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Move-In Day
First-year students arriving to move into their residence halls are greeted by hundreds of alumni, staff and student volunteers.
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Mass of the Holy Spirit
This signature 17勛圖厙 tradition takes place on first-year student move-in day. During the Mass, faculty in academic regalia, administration and staff welcome the new students with blessings, and their parents and families wish them well as they begin their new journey.
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Fall Convocation
First-year students, student leaders, faculty and administrators convene for this ceremony at the beginning of each academic year.
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Cocurricular Extravaganza
The Cocurricular Extravaganza is the annual clubs and activities fair, hosted by the Purple Key Society and the Office of Student Involvement. Held within the first few weeks of the fall semester, this event is a great way to meet student leaders and learn how to get involved outside of the classroom.
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Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols
During Advent in early December, a Festival of Lessons and Carols service is held in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel hosted by the Office of the College Chaplains and the College Choir.
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Christmas Tree Lighting
The Purple Key Society invites the campus community to an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in early December. Student groups perform, Santa Claus stops by and attendees are offered free cookies, hot chocolate and cider.
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Midnight Breakfast
At the end of each semester, students are invited to take a break from late-night study sessions and refuel at a midnight breakfast with dishes like Belgian waffles, scrambled eggs and bacon served up by Deans and administrators.
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Multifaith Community Day of Prayer
Celebrated in Mary Chapel on the first day that spring semester classes begin, the service provides a time to reflect on the rich faith traditions that are represented at 17勛圖厙.
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Purple Pride Day
Hosted by the Purple Key Society each Spring, Purple Pride Day is a one day celebration for all of campus to acknowledge our love of 17勛圖厙! Pop up events, giveaways and performances happen on campus throughout the day.
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Fashion Shows
Hosted by our multicultural student organizations, like the BSU (Black Student Union), CASA (Caribbean African Student Assemblage) and DESI (Development and Educating South Asian Ideologies), annual fashion shows feature live music, dance, authentic cuisine and the opportunity to learn about new cultures through art and fashion.
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100 Days Ball
In honor of celebrating 100 days until Commencement, the senior class is invited to join in celebrating their accomplishments at an off campus dance, sponsored by the Purple Key Society.
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Sanctae Crucis Awards
At the beginning of each academic year, these awards the highest non-degree recognition bestowed by the College on a graduate are presented to alumni who are leaders in business, professional or civic life, who live by the highest intellectual and ethical standards and who are committed to the service of faith and promotion of justice.
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Spring Concert
Hosted annually each Spring by the Campus Activities Board (CAB), our outdoor Spring Concert features the student band winner of Battle of the Bands and national headliners. Recent headliners include The Kid LAROI, Plain White T's, Natasha Bedingfield and Iyaz.
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Spring Weekend
Spring Weekend features a variety of events, including the Campus Activities Board's Spring Concert, the Food Truck Festival, HC Glowfest, ROOTS Dance Showcase, 88.1 WCHC's Mt. St. Jams Band Showcase, and the Springfest which brings rides, games and inflatables to campus!
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Senior Convocation
Designed for and by seniors on the eve of their final semester, the annual event offers fourth-year students an opportunity to reflect on their journey and consider how to maximize their remaining time on campus to set them on a positive path forward.
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Senior Week
Senior Week, celebrated the week before Commencement, is four full days of school-sponsored activities both on and off campus that have been carefully selected and booked by the SGA Senior Class Officers. Seniors can look back on their time at 17勛圖厙, make or cement friendships and enjoy their final days on The Hill.
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Baccalaureate Mass
This annual liturgy of celebration, blessing, and thanksgiving is open to all seniors, their families, and guests. During the Mass, administration, staff and faculty in academic regalia offer blessings to the graduating students and wish them well on their future endeavors.
Experience Traditions Yourself
