Hello again!
Today I will be highlighting some of Scripps’ traditions! Like any other old institution, Scripps has its fair share of traditions students partake in from the moment they officially matriculate to the day they graduate on Elm Tree Lawn. Below, I have listed our traditions in order of when they occur!
Matriculation & the Denison Doors
On the last day of orientation week, the day before classes officially start, first-years and transfer students have matriculation! Matriculation is a special moment in your Scripps experience that you are sure to remember and cherish for the rest of your time at Scripps. New Scrippsies dress up as fancy as they want and line up outside the Denison Library’s doors. Tradition dictates that Scrippsies walk through the Denison doors, shake the president’s hand, and sign their name in the Scripps Book (which every Scripps student has signed since the 1990s). Make sure to appreciate the moment you step in through those doors; you’ll never do it again! The next time you walk through that doorway, you’ll be walking out to graduate on Elm Tree Lawn. The symbolism behind this is that you’re walking in to seek knowledge and you’re walking out once you’ve attained that knowledge. ready to share it with the world.
After everyone has finished walking through, taking their pictures, and eating the provided dinner, it’s time to party! Scripps hires a cover band (which sounds cheesy but they’re actually really good!!) and you get to dance with your entire class as the sun sets. Dancing in the warm summer evening, in my favorite dress, with the people that would become my college friends was definitely one of the best moments of my college life. I specifically remember dancing to September by Earth, Wind & Fire and knowing I had made the correct college decision 😌 .
Scripps Tea
“On Wednesdays, we drink tea.” – the Plastics if they were Scrippsies, probably
Wednesdays are sacred at Scripps. At 3:30 pm, you will find every free food aficionado heading toward our beloved Seal Court. This is one of the few Scripps traditions that’s open to all members of the 5C community. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab some snacks, relax, and socialize with friends, professors, and faculty alike. Not only is it a great opportunity to take a breather, but it’s also a great opportunity to low-key network with that professor you’ve been wanting to do research for 😏 .
Scripps Mugging
This special tradition takes place within the first month of school when first-years are mugged by Scripps alumnae! No, I don’t mean mugged as in robbed lol. I mean mugged as in they are gifted a signature forest green Scripps mug. This event occurs on Elm Tree Lawn. Not only do you get a free mug, you also get a personalized letter from a Scripps alumnae. My letter was from a member of the Class of 1963! In addition, there’s free hot drinks at the event so you can take that bad boy for a spin for the first time.
Capstone Day
Capstone Day occurs every May, near the end of the school year. Scripps has a graduating requirement that every senior must complete a thesis (or theses) for their major(s). From all the seniors, a select few with particularly outstanding senior thesis projects are nominated by faculty members and chosen to present their work to the greater Scripps community. This is a day of academic celebration and appreciation as the campus comes together to witness these seniors present their culminating work and congratulate them!
Graffiti Wall
Last but definitely not least is our Graffiti Wall tradition! Beginning in the early 1920s, every graduating Scripps class has signed their name on our Graffiti Wall, which is located next to our beautiful rose garden. Not only do graduating seniors get to sign their names, they also get to vote on an illustration design to add to the wall. Every year, multiple artists within the class submit their designs for their class’ illustration. The illustration usually reflects whatever was happening on campus or in the world during their time in college. For example, the Class of 1970 voted to spray paint “STOP THE WAR” on the wall because of the Vietnam War. The Class of 2011 voted to depict the Great Recession. And, of course, once it is safe to do so, the Class of 2020 will pay homage to the pandemic by signing their names around a medical mask sprouting flowers you can find on campus. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be painting your class’ design onto the wall! This is my personal favorite tradition and, while I’m in no way eager to graduate just yet, I am low-key very excited to sign my name on that wall.
These are just a few of the main traditions we have at Scripps. Hope you’ve enjoyed reading about them. See ya next time!