At Eckerd, some traditions are steeped in pomp and ritual; others are offbeat and creative. Here is a look at some of the more popular campus traditions.
Ceremony of Lights
The annual Ceremony of Lights marks the beginning for every new student, when the flame from the Lamp of Knowledge is passed along by hand-held candles until the evening air glows in soft light. As our president has said, “With each Ceremony of Lights we rekindle our commitment to a personalized education for a higher purpose.”
Springtopia
The last two weeks of spring semester are chock-full of activities dubbed Springtopia: cookouts, outdoor concerts, comedy nights, charity events, games like innertube water polo, and more.
Pet Blessing
Every fall, Eckerd community pets get a special blessing on the day of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
Thanksgiving Day Dinner
Since the average student is 1,000 miles from home, the Dean of Students hosts a formal catered Thanksgiving Day dinner for those who stay on campus. Faculty and staff also participate. After dinner there are games, crafts and football on TV.
Fridays with Faculty
Monthly Friday happy-hour gatherings at the Triton’s Pub are organized by ECOS, so students can interact informally with professors over free beer (for those 21 and over) or root beer (for those under 21) and free food.
Halloween Ball
Students throw a festive costume party at a favorite downtown St. Petersburg venue each year to celebrate Halloween.
B.S. Ballet
An Eckerd College tradition since the 1970s, the B.S. Ballet brings together students to write, create, direct and perform a parody of campus events and various topics that occur throughout the year.
Kappa Karnival
Begun as a homespun event in the Kappa residence hall, Kappa Karnival has grown into a full-blown, day-and-night carnival (think Ferris wheel and merry-go-round). It’s held on the Saturday before the last week of Spring Semester classes. Watch a Kappa Karnival video. Or two or three.
Kon Tiki Raft Race
Dating back to the 1980s, the Kon Tiki Raft Race gives students a chance to show off their creative side with zany homemade watercraft.
Festival of Cultures
Organized by International Student Services and held each year in Hough Quad, the Festival of Cultures is the most ethnically colorful campus event of the year, featuring native food, music, national costume and history.
Late-Night Breakfast
Students take a break from studying during finals week to be served breakfast enthusiastically by Executive Staff and faculty members in Café Bon Appétit.
Pet Graduation
Because we were one of the first colleges in the country to allow pets in residence halls, we hold a separate Pet Graduation several days before our students’ Commencement, complete with a certificate for each pet.
Baccalaureate
A solemn ceremony held in Wireman Chapel on the eve of Commencement, Baccalaureate features a concert choir and remarks by the College President.
Commencement
Eckerd’s motto is ThinkOutside, so it’s fitting that Commencement is held early on a Sunday morning in May under a large white tent on the South Recreation Field. Since it’s right next to South Beach, a post-Commencement jump into Boca Ciega Bay is also a tradition for some students. It’s not uncommon for graduates to accept their diplomas in bare feet or accompanied by their pet friends.
