“Our
celebration was really worthy of the occasion
we celebrated – the founding of Mount Holyoke
Seminary. The whole day was a holiday, and I presume
that ‘Founders Day’ will be a regular
institution…certainly it ought to be.”
-Martha S. Hall, class of 1885.
(13)
Since the first celebration of Founders Day (described above), students
have agreed that it is a necessary and worthwhile holiday. Since 1981,
it had been held annually on the Sunday closest to November 8 – the
day the Seminary opened in 1837. To read more about the celebration of
Founders Day, click
here. New Buildings on campus are generally dedicated on Founders Day.
To read a list of previous building dedications, click here.
Traditionally, the holiday
was a day of reflection that encouraged students to devote thoughts and
prayers to the memory of Mary Lyon, what has evolved
from her great vision. In the first half of the twentieth century, it
became a weekend affair, with formal lectures and programs to honor the
tradition.
Currently, Founders Day has unofficially become a senior tradition, celebrated
in the early morning hours in full caps and gowns. Though the method of celebration
has changed, the tradition continues to occur at the gravesite of Mary Lyon,
in the fall foliage of her Grove. It is this particular place mixed with
celebrating a school tradition that reminds students exactly what they have
become a part of by choosing to attend Mount Holyoke, and how being a part
of this community will continue to impact their lives.
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