Traditions That Never Get Old

Anselmians cherish traditions. With over 130 years of history, time-honored traditions are part of everyday life on the Hilltop. They bring together the community, demonstrate our core values, and span generations of students.

From events and programs to stories and beliefs, our students and community connect through our various traditions. 

Here are some of our favorites:

Banner-raising
Celebrate your new class during orientation when your banner is hung from the rafters in Davison Dining Hall. You’ll celebrate again when it is lowered during commencement week of your senior year. 

Design a Masterpiece
During our annual gingerbread competition, you and three of your closest friends compete against 396 fellow students to design the best masterpiece. 

Party Your Classes Off
Hang with friends during Party Your Classes Off (PYCO), planned by our Campus Activities Board (CAB), featuring free food, free swag, carnival games, and giant inflatables. 

Spread Holiday Cheer
We take the holidays on campus SERIOUSLY. From the 16-foot Christmas tree in Davison Hall to the Meelia Center’s annual Holiday Fair, the entire community loves and cherishes Saint Anselm College’s annual holiday traditions. 

Celebrate the Bard’s Birthday
Honor Shakespeare’s birthday with an entire day of sonnet reading and cake eating. 

Senior Sendoff
Watch the sunrise on the morning of your commencement ceremony, surrounded by your best friends.

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Gingerbread Houses created at the annual competition

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million raised for cancer research through Relay for Life

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sonnets read during Shakespeare’s annual birthday celebration

I enjoy the ways in which our campus traditions allow students to pause their busy lives and spend time connecting with others. Traditions offer the opportunity to connect with friends, religious/cultural beliefs, or even to connect with oneself!

— Kathryn Williams ’24, Communications Major