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Student
Traditions
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Rockford
College was founded over a century ago and throughout
its distinguished history the College has been steeped
in traditions that remain vital, important, and fun
for today's students. These traditions are what shape
the atmosphere of Rockford College. Traditions establish
a sense of community that lasts beyond the confines
of the 4-year college experience.
It
is the spirit that makes Rockford College a great
place to be!
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Orientation
For
the first four days of each new school year, first year
students are welcomed to Rockford College by current students,
faculty and staff for our Orientation program, "Making
Connections." First year students are paired
with mentor groups consisting of an orientation leader,
resident assistant and faculty member. Throughout this time
students are able to discuss the upcoming year and learn
about everything Rockford College can offer them. Students
also engage in many fun activities to help meet their new
classmates. The end of Orientation signifies the start of
"Welcome Week" which is filled with lots of campus
activities for all Rockford College students to enjoy!
The Plunge
There
is no better or more practical way to realize the values
of service and activism than to actually help others. The
Rockford College Plunge is a long standing tradition where
students spend a morning working in small groups to make
a difference in the lives of others. In collaboration with
faculty and staff, students do things such as paint homes
for Habitat for Humanity, clean creeks for the
Rockford Park District, and set-up playground equipment
for the Discovery Center. "Act Now" is the motto
for The Plunge and these projects are a great way to promote
one of the greatest goals of Rockford College, to be the
Jane Addams College of the 21st Century.
Homecoming
Homecoming
is a fall celebration that connects current students and
alumni together to celebrate Rockford College! It is a week-long
celebration that consists of athletic games, the annual
banner competition, entertainment, games, a tailgating competition,
and lots of fun! Traditionally, Homecoming is concluded
with a Homecoming Dance in Regent's Hall where the Homecoming
King and Queen are announced.
Chili Cook Off
Watch
out....it's about to be a brawl. Who has the best chili?
Each October, students, faculty, and staff come together
for the Annual Chili Cook-off to see who makes the best
chili. The best part about this event is if you do not know
how to make chili, you can still participate by tasting
all the other chilies and voting for the best. You'll be
sure to find one that drives your taste buds crazy with
all the selection to choose from!
Pumpkin Carving
Each
year around Halloween, senior students gather to create
the scariest, funniest and sometimes the weirdest jack O
lanterns. They then place them all over campus in odd locations,
such as roof tops, in windows, and really anywhere they
can climb. Traditionally, this event is kept secret
and done in the evening so the next morning the campus wakes
up to "Pumpkin Day"! Underclassmen compete to
see who can find the most pumpkins. It's a treat of Halloween
spirit.
Senior Prank
Watch
out...you never know what they'll pull! The senior class
comes together each year to pull a prank on students, faculty,
and staff. This tradition has been with the College since
its beginning days.
April
Weekend
Each
year the third week in April is selected for April Weekend.
April Weekend is a spring celebration that brings students,
faculty, and staff together to welcome spring and celebrate
the end of the year. This weekend also signifies the seniors'
last big event before graduation. Traditionally, April Weekend
consists of tournaments, a Casino Night, a Foam Party, inflatable
games, and lots of fun!
Senior Skip Day
This day is set by seniors near the end of spring semester.
It gives students a day to relax, catch up on any homework
they have been putting off, and have fun! The senior class
picks an activity for the entire campus to enjoy on their
"day off."
Graduation
This
day is the greatest of Rockford College's traditions. The
day is started with a ceremony at Fisher Chapel. Students
join friends and family in remembering the days that they
have spent at Rockford College. Everyone gathers together
to honor the graduates as they march into their futures
at the commencement ceremony. After the announcements, graduated
students gather for pictures, hugs, and tears of joy. Its
sure to be a day full of many emotions and a day that no
one is sure to forget. This tradition signifies the end
of their college experience at Rockford College and the
start of their lives as alumni members!
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