{"id":10766,"date":"2022-05-24T12:01:26","date_gmt":"2022-05-24T16:01:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/alumni\/?page_id=10766"},"modified":"2026-01-28T16:02:48","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T21:02:48","slug":"rochester-traditions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/alumni\/stay-connected\/students\/rochester-traditions\/","title":{"rendered":"Rochester traditions"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Rochester Traditions<\/h1>\n

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Ignite your spirit!<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]Celebrating the shared experiences of Yellowjackets across generations, Rochester Traditions encompasses the events and programs that embody what makes the University ever better<\/em>. Organized by the Office of Alumni Relations and Wilson Commons and Student Activities<\/a>, with support from the Class Councils, Student Programming Board, Student Alumni Ambassadors, and Senior Giving Committee, Rochester Traditions include:[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Activities Fair<\/h2>\n

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Explore opportunities to connect and engage at the beginning of each semester! Take in live demonstrations and informational displays from over 200 student organizations to learn more about how you can get involved and pursue your passions.<\/p>\n

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Boar’s Head Dinner<\/h2>\n

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Cue the trumpets as we announce the arrival of one of the University\u2019s oldest and most beloved traditions! Recall the spirit of medieval dinners, beginning with a procession of royalty featuring student leaders and select administrators clad in the finest regalia. Enjoy performances from student organizations, a bountiful feast, a unique reading of the \u201cTale of the Boar,\u201d and a joyous sing-along.<\/p>\n

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Candlelight Ceremony<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]Mark the beginning of your lifelong relationship with the University as you join fellow members of the incoming class on the Eastman Quad. Beneath the stars and surrounded by candlelight, this first-night tradition is unique, beautiful, and full of rich history.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Celebrate Rochester<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]Celebrate the University\u2019s global community with an evening of song, dance, poetry, and music from around the world! Bringing together first-year students from the College and Eastman School of Music, this event is a vibrant introduction to campus life beyond the classroom.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Commencement Weekend<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]Commencement marks the culmination of our students\u2019 efforts\u2014and the start of their new journey as graduates and alumni. Gather at Fauver Stadium for a University-wide ceremony full of pomp and circumstance that is distinctly Rochester.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Convocation + Class Roll Signing<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]Welcome to Rochester! Immediately following the Convocation ceremony, sign the class roll to symbolically join the University community. Class rolls are preserved in Rush Rhees Library and displayed at Commencement and class reunions.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Forever Rochester Week<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]Explore interactive exhibits and fun events while learning how to remain involved with the University beyond your time in Rochester. Honor and celebrate the impact of alumni on your journey to becoming one yourself![\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

I Heart URochester Day<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]Show your pride during Spirit Week and tell the world why you love the University of Rochester while saying thank you to those who have helped make it the vibrant community that it is.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Meliora Weekend<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]Meliora Weekend<\/a> is an annual University and community-wide celebration that offers something for everyone! Show your family and friends around campus, enjoy world-class entertainment from celebrity guests, meet alumni, join in special celebrations, and so much more.<\/p>\n

Meliora Weekend is also the only place you can pick up your limited-edition Rochester Traditions memorabilia!<\/p>\n