Happy Birthday, Cedar Crest College! On Friday, September 9, the College will ring in its 155th year at the second annual Founding Day Celebration. In honor of this joyous occasion, let’s take a look back at some Cedar Crest traditions over the years.
Traditions have always been the cornerstone of the Cedar Crest community. From Orientation to Commencement, these events bring classmates closer together and bridge the gap between generations of alumnae. Over the years, some traditions have faded, and others have taken their place, but the impact they have on students and alumnae remains the same.
First-year students are welcomed to campus and immediately celebrate three enduring traditions – Move-In Day, Orientation, and Open Door Ceremony. Orientation now includes a Strawberry Festival on the President’s lawn and continues to be a time for students to bond and acclimate to their new home.
A Rite of Passage
Not everyone may remember Open Door Ceremony, which began in 1923 during the presidency of William F. Curtis but lapsed from the 50s until it was revived in 1985. Originally, students processed across campus and the president unlocked the doors of what is now Blaney Hall.
Today, students line the hallway, add their names to the registry along with those who came before them, then exit through the front doors of Blaney Hall to announce their name and hometown to the College community. Though the logistics may change, Open Door always carries the same sentiment: Cedar Crest welcomes students through its doors with open arms.
A Milestone Moment
One tradition that has stood the test of time and remained almost unchanged is Ring Ceremony. As one of the College’s most beloved traditions, this event has been celebrated for more than 70 years. Former President Curtis initiated Ring Ceremony, but it wasn’t until 1942 that the Class of 1944 created the first ceremony that continues today in the same format.
Each year, now in February, Cedar Crest juniors are presented with their class ring as confirmation of their commitment to the College community. Since 1965, all Cedar Crest rings look similar— an oval onyx containing three interlocking Cs in gold or silver. During the ceremony, participants wear black and are presented with yellow roses from family and friends.
Over the Years
Unfortunately, not all traditions have been as long-lasting. Traditions that are no longer actively celebrated, but are well-remembered and well-loved by many alumnae, include Song Contest, Father/Daughter Dance, Big Sis/Lil Sis, Dinks, tug of war at the Rose Garden, Greek Theater productions, and the May Pole Dance.
New traditions enjoyed by today’s students include the Best of the Crest Awards, Fall Fest, the Spirit Rock, an Activities Fair, and Family Weekend, among others.
Honoring Our Beginning
Last year, President Elizabeth Meade established Founding Day, a new tradition, to be celebrated each year on (or near) the College’s birthday, September 5. The campus community gathers at the steps of Blaney Hall and enjoy music and College-themed trivia, as well as drinks, appetizers, and birthday treats. This new tradition honors the founding of Cedar Crest College and celebrates our journey to becoming the transformative institution of higher education we are today.
Looking Forward
While the landscape of the College continues to change with new buildings and new academic programs, traditions help remind us that the heart of Cedar Crest remains the same. We continue to educate the whole person, preparing them for life in a global community.
We encourage our science majors to explore the arts and our business majors to find their passion for writing. But, most of all, our students continue to find, not only friends, but family in the Cedar Crest community.
