Traditions and Special Events
How Do You Define a Laurentian?
While no two are alike, Laurentians share traditions and experiences that transcend class years and generations. Laurentians love adventure, they love celebrating the things that make them unique, and above all, they love supporting one another. They’ll also never say no to a Pub Cookie, or a Dana brunch date, or an opportunity to cheer, “Here we go, Saints!”
Traditions that Shape Your St. Lawrence Experience
There are over 25 traditions that bond Laurentians to one another and shape the four years they spend on our campus. Some are as old as the University itself, some are more recent, and still others have changed over the years. Chances are, you and your classmates will think of a new one! After all, our spirit of innovation as trailblazers and changemakers is our greatest tradition.
St. Lawrence Staples
From favorite campus eats to iconic spaces and can't-miss celebrations, these are the staples every Laurentian comes to know and love.
Dana Brunch
On the weekends, our main dining hall, Dana, offers everything you could want for a filling brunch, including the iconic St. Lawrence shield waffles.
Scarlet and Brown Day
An annual celebration of St. Lawrence pride where Laurentians near and far wear their favorite scarlet and brown gear.
Laurentian Weekend
Alumni, parents, and families from around the world flock to our annual blend of Family Weekend and Homecoming. It's a weekend full of events including Saints Athletics competitions, live music, food truck row, and more.
Route 11 Rivalry
When Clarkson comes to town, there’s no better place to be than the student section—especially in Appleton Arena. Decked out in Scarlet and Brown, the Laurentian and Canton communities pack the stands to cheer on the Saints in one of the year’s most anticipated matchups against the Golden Knights.
Peak Weekend
One weekend, 46 peaks, and at least one Laurentian on the summit of each. Every fall, students of all hiking abilities venture into the Adirondack Park with the Outing Club in pursuit of “bagging” a High Peak, one of 46 mountains over 4,000 ft. in the Adirondack range.
Make a Difference Day
Laurentians call the North Country home for four years and feel a responsibility to give back to the community while they’re here. Every fall, Volunteer Services coordinates several sites throughout Canton and neighboring towns for students to spend the day sprucing up and organizing.
Academic Traditions
Festival Day
After a year (or more) of exploring topics that ignite their curiosity, students share their research with our community in a spring showcase—celebrating their innovation and diverse passions.
Commencement
After four years, your undergraduate adventure culminates in one momentous day–Commencement. It’s a day of celebration, reflection, and perhaps a few tears, as you reflect on the impact you and your classmates have made at St. Lawrence while looking forward to your brilliant futures ahead.
Moving-Up Day
A tradition since 1869, this ceremony celebrates students’ academic and co-curricular achievements. Today, it symbolizes students “moving up” a row of pews in Gunnison Memorial Chapel to occupy the seats left open by the class ahead of them. It also includes the ceremonial “tapping” of new members of Omicron Delta Kappa, the leadership honor society.
Matriculation
Matriculation officially welcomes first-year students and their families to our supportive and empowering community. It’s the first time your class gathers as a group and symbolizes the official start to your adventure at St. Lawrence.
Special Moments with Classmates
First-Year Cup
One of the first traditions for new Laurentians is the FYP Cup—a semester-long, friendly competition among first-year teams. From lawn games and trivia to the much-anticipated songwriting contest, students also earn points by attending campus events, readings, and presentations.
100th Night
One hundred nights before commencement, the senior class gathers in Gunnison Memorial Chapel to reflect on years passed and be together one last time before they flip their tassels in May.
Senior Week
Once final exams are over each spring semester, seniors come together for a final week of local adventures, First-Year Program reunions, and other events during their final days at St. Lawrence with one another before Commencement.
Reunion
Each June, St. Lawrence alumni return to campus to reconnect, relive memories, and celebrate together. A highlight of Reunion Weekend is the parade of class years, showcasing Laurentian pride across generations. (Fun fact: students can apply to work during the event!)
Candlelight
On their first night on campus, members of the first-year class gather for an address from the president and a ceremonial lighting of candles meant to symbolize the candle in the wilderness that glows within all those who become Laurentians.
Festivals and Performances
Rail Jam
There’s no such thing as bad weather at St. Lawrence—only opportunities to make the most of the snow Mother Nature throws our way. For Rail Jam, the Outing Club builds a rail on the Brush Memorial Quad where students can ski and snowboard on campus.
Kaleidoscope
Founded in 2006 by Victor Kai-Rogers '08, an international student from Freetown, Sierra-Leone, Kaleidoscope celebrates the diversity and inclusivity of our community with a series of musical performances, dances, poetry readings, and more. The International House (known as I-House) hosts this celebration every spring.
Spring Fest
In the spring, the Association for Campus Entertainment turns the intramural fields into a concert venue, welcoming bands, solo artists, and DJs from across genres to perform for our student body. Sometimes, students even perform a set as part of the opening act.
Folk Fest
When the last (or, at least, close to the last) flakes have fallen in Canton and buds appear on the trees, the Green House invites local craftspeople and musicians from across the region to share their talent with the campus community and highlight the rich cultural traditions of the North Country.
Fall Carnival
During the fall semester, the Brush Memorial Quad is decked out in all the makings for a carnival. Students spend the evening spinning around on a carnival swing ride, tasting seasonal treats, trying their hand at pumpkin smashing and axe throwing, jumping in bounce houses, and gathering around warm fire pits.
Explore Student Life
Anything is possible when you love where you live and you’re surrounded by people as passionate as you are. From beloved traditions and events to clubs and campus adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved and make your mark at St. Lawrence.