Traditions

Like many academic traditions, Homecoming has a long and rich history at Ursinus. It was originally called Old Timers’ Day, and the first such gathering was held November 5, 1921. In 1961, Ursinus officially changed the name of the event to Homecoming Day. They are celebrated separately in September and October. These exciting weekends span the academic, social, athletic and artistic life of the college. Bears near and far return to campus to reconnect with old friends while families visit current students, all in a fun, festive atmosphere.

Standing on a pedestal in the Helfferich Lobby is a fearless bear sculpture who can be seen in many a selfie! This bear was carved out of the wood of the sycamore tree that once stood in our end zone.

Nearly 30 years running, this highly attended annual event, held every April in the Berman Museum’s main gallery, showcases the beautiful works created by art students.

This annual festival is held outdoors on campus for students to celebrate the end of the spring semester.

No tricks…it’s just treats at this long-standing tradition that is held off campus for seniors only.

Every semester during exams, faculty and staff cook enough pancakes to feed students who need a break from studying. Deans, directors, staff and professors volunteer for the evening, which also includes a few rounds of blow-off-some-steam Karaoke.

Nothing beats mom’s cooking, but this sure comes close! Students often tell us this is their favorite dinner of the year in Wismer…and it’s a tradition that started long before the word “friendsgiving” was even a thing.

Our 100+ clubs, groups and organizations pack the field house or line the walkway between Wismer and Reimert every September to showcase all there is to do on campus and recruit new members.

Every April, we reschedule classes for a day so every student can participate in the Celebration of Student Achievement (CoSA). The day is filled with talks, poster presentations, and performances from hundreds of students from every discipline, from first-year students to seniors. It gives students the opportunity to acknowledge and support the good works of their classmates.

We often hear that first-time visitors to campus—and even some folks who have been here a while—mistake our sculptures for real people. Don’t worry…it happens to the best of us! They’re definitely part of what makes Ursinus unique, so go ahead and pose for a photo with them (but it may be tough to get some of them to smile).

In the week leading up to commencement, seniors celebrate all their hard work with on- and off-campus events, including a bonfire, local trips, tickets to see the Phillies, and more!

Graduates work hard for four years, and we love seeing them express this accomplishment, as well as their passion, in a creative way by decorating their grad caps. “Thanks, Mom and Dad” is always a popular one, but the funny ones make us smile too.

Convocation is the formal opening of the academic year for first-year students. Following the ceremony, faculty, staff and students line, creating a tunnel or path outside of Bomberger Hall to welcome and cheer on the newest class of Bears. The same type of formation takes place four years later as the class exits commencement and passes through a spirit walk formed by faculty.