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Home > Student Life > Residential Life > Traditions
Traditions
When you’re the nation’s oldest institution of higher learning for
women, it’s only fitting to have some treasured traditions. As a
student, you’ll quickly discover that the College’s traditions bring
the community closer together and create some of your most memorable
Mount Holyoke moments.
Some Mount Holyoke traditions:
September Convocation
Convocation is the
traditional opening of the College each year. On the afternoon before
the first day of classes, the faculty and student body gather in the
amphitheater to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year. This is
the first formal College event that new students attend.
Family and Friends Weekend
Held in the fall, Family and Friends Weekend is
a time when students invite their families and friends to visit the
campus and learn about the College community. Events include master
classes taught by faculty, open houses, entertainment by campus
performing groups, athletic events, and much more.
Mountain Day
When fall weather sets in,
speculation begins about the date for Mountain Day. One of the
College’s oldest traditions, Mountain Day provides an unexpected break
from classes and other obligations, and many students spend the day
enjoying outdoor activities, in particular, hiking on Mount Holyoke in
Skinner State Park. The early morning pealing of the Mary Lyon Hall
bell announces to the campus that it’s Mountain Day.
M & Cs
All resident students enjoy a
long-standing College tradition known as M & Cs (milk and
crackers). This snack is provided in all residence halls as a study
break and a social event several nights each week.
Junior Show
The junior class traditionally
stages its own show to entertain the College, usually during the last
weekend in February. Over the years returning alumnae have been known
to sing, even 20 to 30 years after the event, the songs from their
show. The closing night is junior/senior night, generally followed by a
party for the two classes.
Faculty Show
Once
every four years, the faculty and staff entertain the College by
putting on their own show so each generation of students has the chance
to experience one. It is an opportunity to see your professors as
you’ve never seen them before!
Commencement and Reunion Weekends
Among the
highlights of this weekend are the alumnae parade on Saturday morning,
the baccalaureate service on Saturday evening, and commencement on
Sunday.
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