Traditions - Undergraduate

Apple Day
Apple Day started in the 1940s as an activity hosted by the sophomore class in honor of the freshmen. The celebration included a day off from classes and a picnic. In 1942, a walk to the college orchard to pick apples became part of the tradition. Presently, this day is celebrated in October. Classes are cancelled, and everyone enjoys a picnic, a carnival, and various outdoor events which have been planned by the sophomore class. In 2005 the tradition of picking apples returned, after a 30-year hiatus.

Charter Day
Charter Day is the occasion each year when new students sign the Honor Pledge. On this day, during the first week of the academic year, the Student Government Association charter is presented to a member of the Board of Trustees through the college president as a renewal of the commitment to self-governance. Upperclass students and faculty members reaffirm their support of the honor system at this time as well.

Christmas Cheer
Christmas Cheer is a December event held in First Presbyterian Church, and is open to Mary Baldwin College and the Staunton community. Carols and festive songs are sung by student choral groups and scripture is read by members of the college community. Afterward, students follow a luminary lit pathway to the dining hall for a holiday meal.

Class Colors
The first class to ever choose its colors chose green and white in 1912. For three years after this, the succeeding classes chose their own colors. Since that time, these same colors have been passed down from year to year. The colors are:

2006 – Scarlet and Gold
2007 – Green and White
2008– Purple and Gold
2009– Lavender and White

Da & Da
At the end of each academic year, the front of the Deming Fine Arts Center undergoes an artistic transformation when Da and Da get a fresh coat of paint. In form, Da and Da are images of the dignified dog statues, Ham and Jam, who guard the front of Administration – the oldest building on campus. Before graduation, seniors paint Da and Da with bright colors and abstract designs.
 
Family Weekend
Family Weekend occurs the first weekend in October when families visit and participate in a variety of activities with their daughters.

Founders Day
Founders Day is held each year on the Friday closest to the October 4th birthday of Mary Julia Baldwin. A ceremony is held in honor of the founders of Mary Baldwin,: Rufus W. Bailey and Miss Baldwin. Founders Day is also when seniors wear their caps and gowns for the first time.

Junior Dads Weekend
Junior Dads Weekend is the occasion in November when juniors invite their families for a special weekend of events. Saturday night includes a formal dinner and dance. The high point of the evening is the presentation of the junior class rings.

Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa at MBC is usually celebrated in January because students are on winter break during the traditional dates. First year students, with guidance from older students, are largely responsible for organizing the celebration which includes dance, skits, and other art forms as students explain the principles of Kwanzaa. This is also the time when new members of the Ida B. Wells Society, an MBC learning community that explores and celebrates African American heritage, are inducted.

Las Posadas
Las Posadas is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter and a place for the birth of the baby Jesus, an event celebrated in Latin American communities around the world. Las Posadas dates back to 16th century Mexico and has become part of the traditional Christmas celebrations in many parts of America including our college community. Las Posadas Mary Baldwin Style is a pilgrimage that winds its way through the residence halls with lead characters Mary and Joseph knocking on doors and asking for a night’s lodging. Each stop along the way will reflect a different holiday tradition, including Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas in the Caribbean, Ireland, and Africa. The procession concludes with a fiesta at the Student Activities Center. This is an exciting program for people of all ages. Participants are encouraged to wear warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and to bring a flashlight.  

Late-Night Breakfast
Late-Night Breakfast takes place during exams. It includes a full-course breakfast buffet and is a great way to take a break from studying — a favorite tradition of exam week.

Opening Convocation
Orientation weekend culminates with Opening Convocation, hosted by student leaders. At the end of the lively event, hundreds of new students, faculty, and administrators form a winding circle that extends between Grafton Library and Hunt Dining Hall on front campus. Students, with lighted candles, pass a flame around the expansive circle and sing the Hymn to Mary Baldwin.

SGA Installation
Installation of new Student Government Association officers occurs every spring. A ceremony is held signifying the passing of the torch of leadership from one generation of MBC students to the next, and a continuation of the commitment to uphold student governance and the honor code. Current officers swear in the new officers, remove their mortarboards, and place them on the head of their successors. A banquet follows the installation to honor the new leaders and to both honor and roast the outgoing officers.

Signature Ball Weekend
Signature Ball Weekend takes place the last weekend in January. The celebration rolls off Friday night with a costumed trip to the local skating rink. The highlight of the weekend is the Signature Ball, a formal dance held on Saturday evening.

Spring Fling
Every spring, seniors are honored with a festive themed party and dinner in their honor. Past themes have included Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Alice in Wonderland. Spring Fling takes place on the front lawn of the Alumnae/i House, and is sponsored by the Alumnae/i Office and the Student Alumnae/i Relations Society.