Correspondence Directory

The UniversityTraditionsMonnett Campus early in the morning and concealing themselves in trees from which to watchthe festivities. In later years, the Weekend became a time for both men and women students toentertain their parents and share their campus experiences with them. A relatively new tradition isDay on the JAY, a once-a-semester gathering of the entire Ohio Wesleyan community for food,fun, and fellowship, held at midday on the JAYwalk.During Homecoming/Family Weekend, students, parents, and alumni are on the campus fortailgating, athletics, open houses, and other family-oriented events.Most underclass students have already left campus for the summer when Commencement andAlumni Weekend occur. Commencement is now held on Mother’s Day, which is the Sundayfollowing the end of spring semester classes. It is preceded by a Baccalaureate celebration plannedby members of the senior class. The traditional Commencement ceremony takes place on the westterrace of Phillips Hall. In case of rain, Commencement is held in Rickey Arena. At the conclusionof graduation, the bell in the tower of University Hall rings to mark the close of another academicyear and the University president rings the handbell that was rung at Ohio Wesleyan’s 1842commencement ceremony.The traditions associated with Commencement are based in Ohio Wesleyan’s history, althoughmodifications and changes have occurred over the years. At one time, Commencement lasted atleast a week, and oral final examinations were held in public, with examiners representing alumniand Trustees. The culmination of the week was the Commencement exercise, which lasted eightor nine hours. Each senior was required to give an oration, and the day had to be divided intomorning and afternoon sessions to accommodate all the speakers. Over the years, the custom wasmodified until today only the president of the University, a guest speaker, and the president of thesenior class address the Commencement audience.The weekend after Commencement is for alumni, and approximately 1,000 return to campus eachyear for class reunions and other traditional activities. Classes holding their 25th (Silver Key) and50th (Golden Key) reunions are specially honored at this time.Another tradition involving alumni is that of honoring the oldest living alumna and alumnus in theearliest graduating class. The alumnus is presented with the Godman Cane, which had originallybelonged to the University’s first graduate, William D. Godman, class of 1846. The senior alumnareceives the Monnett Silver Teapot, presented by the National Association of Monnett Clubs.As generations of students come and go, changing traditions have reflected in the past, andcontinue to reflect in the present, a changing world. But traditions, be they the annual President’sBall in December or the celebration of Community Day, can give current members of the OhioWesleyan community a sense of historical perspective as they shape the University for today as wellas the future.7