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Mitchell Traditions
The Alma Mater: “On the banks of the Thames River, stands our College proud and wise, Golden years we spend in learning and creating fond ties, O’er the land and o’er the ocean, singing praises to the sky, So we toast to thee, Mitchell College, loyalty will be our guide, O hail to thee Alma Mater, and remember thee with pride.”
Baccalaureate Ceremony: The Baccalaureate Ceremony is held each year on the day before commencement. This special event provides a forum through song and word for the new graduates to come together to celebrate their years at Mitchell College. Bachelor degree candidates formally receive their academic hoods.
The Bell:Donated to the college many years ago, this historic bell now stands outside Umbrella Alumni House and is rung both at the beginning (convocation) and the end (graduation) of the academic year. Under the leadership of Mr. Carmin Cimino, the bell was resurrected in 2004.
The Carolon:Located atop of the Clarke Center, the Mitchell Carolon rings out across the campus green on the hour and is often programmed to play significant musical numbers to correspond with seasons or special events on campus.
Class Gift: Each year, the senior class contributes funds toward the purchase of a special gift for the College. This tradition was created as a “thank you” to the College by the graduates.
Convocation: The College holds a special ceremony to mark the official beginning of the academic year. Known as “convocation,” this gathering provides the campus community with the opportunity to come together in celebration of the academic spirit that unites Mitchell College faculty, staff and students.
Holiday Lighting Ceremony:Each December, the College celebrates its students’ observance of the many diverse religious holidays by lighting a menorah, a Christmas tree and a Kwanzaa candle. The official “lighting” is accompanied by song.
Late Night Breakfast: As a special “study break” during final exams, all students are treated to a special eggs and pancakes meal on the night before exams begin each December and May. The President’s Cabinet, Hall Councils, SGA and Student Life Staff combine to help make this late evening event a community-wide event.
Parents/Family Weekend: Each October, the Mitchell community invites the “extended Mitchell family” – the parents and family members of current students – to campus for a weekend celebration. Traditionally, this special weekend is filled with a chance for parents to mingle with faculty/staff, attend a reception hosted by the President, a Parent-Student Dinner, home athletic contests, educational seminars, and social events.
Ring Ceremony: Students purchasing an official Mitchell College class ring are presented with this keepsake at a special event held at the end of each academic year. The ring is a tangible connection to the past, present and future of the College and depicts the College seal with its lighthouse engraved in the center, along with the College's name and the recipient’s year of graduation, degree and initials. The lighthouse pays tribute to Mitchell's unique location on the Thames River. Its beams of light symbolize both a beacon of guidance for students and their search for knowledge.
Thanksgiving Dinner: The Thursday before Thanksgiving each year, students are provided a special treat in that faculty and staff serve them their “Thanksgiving Dinner.” This tradition, begun in 2002, is done in a family-style format with students at small tables with their friends in the Clarke Center.
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