See Also ...
- MBC News and Events
- The Arts at MBC
- Strategic Planning
- President's Message
- Inclusive Community
- Safety and Security
- A Hymn for Mary Baldwin
Just For Fun
Traditions - Undergraduate
Apple Day
Six decades after MBC first celebrated Apple Day the event is as popular as ever. Part of the lure of Apple Day in its early years was created by the fact that festivities were a secret to all except the planners until the night before the event. Today’s celebrations are announced in advance, but that does not diminish the excitement. Perks include cancelled classes, a carnival, outside activities, and a plethora of apple dishes served at the Dining Hall.
True to its roots, Apple Day continues to be used as a platform for promoting community service through local organizations and encourages involvement in campus clubs. It is a testament to the purpose for which the tradition was originally created. There will always be people who need the volunteer help of Mary Baldwin College students, faculty, and staff.
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:
2010 - Scarlet and Gold
2011 - Green and White
2012 - Purple and Gold
2013 - Lavender and White
Commencement Weekend
The weekend includes Commencement Ball and Graduation. VWIL graduating seniors are honored and are part of the changing of command. PEG and ADP graduates are recognized at events, and African-American and Latina students are invited to participate in an Ajani (literally, “she who wins all struggles”) Ceremony.
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.
Honors Convocation
Mary Baldwin’s annual Honors Convocation gives the college a chance to recognize the outstanding work by many of its students. Each department at Mary Baldwin grants awards relating to its subject: many named in honor of influential professors and students in the college’s history. Nearly two dozen individual awards, a surprise for the recipients, are given to students who excel in specific academic areas.
Junior Dads & Family Weekend
In November, juniors invite parents or relatives to Junior Dads & Family Weekend, which includes a dinner and formal dance, presentation of class rings, and a brunch. Baldwin Program Board also hosts their annual Spa Day during the Saturday of this weekend.
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.
Mardi Gras Dinner
In the tradition of the true south, the Residence Hall Association co-sponsors with the Dining Hall an evening to transport you to New Orleans for a night. This team doesn’t miss a beat ... down to jazz music, beads and even a king cake to celebrate the festivities.
May Term TOTTs
Co-sponsored by the Office of Student Events and Baldwin Program Board, Thursdays on Tyson’s Terrace (aka TOTTs) has become a favorite tradition among students and staff alike. Bands liven up each Thursday evening during May Term, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served for this campus tradition.
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.
Peanut Week
During Peanut Week each residential student draws the name of another on her hall who then becomes her "peanut." She, in turn, is the "shell" and does good deeds anonymously for her “peanut” throughout the week. Peanut and shell identities are revealed at the end of Peanut Week each semester.
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
Hosted by Baldwin Program Board, Signature Ball Weekend takes place the last weekend in January. The celebration rolls off Friday night with large-group entertainment and 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 House, and is sponsored by the Alumnae/i Office and the Student Alumnae/i Relations Society.
Trading Spaces
Sponsored by the Residence Hall Association, this event offers all residential students the opportunity to decorate a friend’s room and build a sense of community on the floor. Trading Spaces often takes place in January after students return from their holiday break and have a desire for a fresh start for the new year.