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History and Traditions

It might be that one of the oldest traditions at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ is wondering where you fit in the story of this place.

There's so much history here that it's easy to stand in the middle of it and feel overwhelmed. Where does your story intersect with those who have come before you

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ classroom, 1967 

Since our founding in 1794, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ has undergone a lot of changes. But there are a few threads that tie together everyone who has walked this quad: a commitment to the common good, a rigorous intellectual life, and memories that last a lifetime. Below are some of the ongoing traditions that help us build and maintain our welcoming community.


The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ Hello

This might be something you experience on your campus tour—before you even apply. Greeting each other on campus doesn't sound like something with a rich history, but thanks to our small campus and network of paths, you'll end up doing it a lot. Back in the 1960s, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ fraternity pledges would be in trouble if they didn't give a vigorous "hello" to each other, even from the other side of campus. In the present day, our fraternities are gone, but our friendly greeting is here to stay.


Students going through a buffet line

Dinner with Six Strangers

Residential Life had an idea: let's use food to bring together people on campus who may not have otherwise interacted.

Now, "Dinner with Six Strangers" has traveled out of the Brunswick border, and has been adopted by ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ alums all over the country.


Summer Send-Off

All around the country, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ families throw send-off parties for incoming first-year students, their parents, and families. It's a chance to meet Polar Bears in your area, and to feel that ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ network already welcoming you and working hard on your behalf.


Ivies/Ivy Day

Planting of ivy

In 1865, the junior class at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ planted an ivy plant near the Chapel and celebrated with poetry and orations. Over the years, “Ivy Day” evolved to include other classes, rituals and prizes, and gatherings at the Thorndike Oak before a final chapel service for graduating seniors. In modern times, Ivies celebrates the arrival of spring with a campus-wide party and other activities aimed at bringing the campus community together, building and cementing friendships, and giving students a chance to unwind in preparation for finals and the end of the semester.


Lobster Bake

Over 1800 lobsters are roasted—and composted— for the welcome back to campus.ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ finds a few reasons each year to celebrate with an old-fashioned Down East lobster bake.

Each fall we fire up the roasters to welcome new students, and to welcome back our returning students. Then, the night before Commencement, we welcome seniors and their families to share in the tradition of cracked claws and fresh corn.

The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ team spirit has never been in doubt.

But our athletic facilities have improved quite a bit