These are the current Penn Traditions
Experience the vibrant Penn Traditions that unite our community. From homecoming to Alumni Weekend, these cherished customs forge lasting bonds. Embrace "Hey Day" and our intellectual legacy as you explore our historic halls.
Alumni Weekend
Alumni Weekend is a time of celebration and connection, bringing together former students from near and far. Reconnect with old friends, reminisce about shared memories, and create new ones as you participate in a variety of engaging activities and events.
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(Alumni Relations)
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Class Photo
The class photo on Franklin Field during New Student Orientation (NSO) at the University of Pennsylvania is a cherished tradition, marking the beginning of an incoming class's journey. Freshmen, adorned in their new class t-shirts, gather on the historic field to form a living emblem of unity and anticipation. This moment, captured in a snapshot, symbolizes their collective embarkation into the Penn community.
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(NSOAI)
Convocation
Penn has been continuing the tradition of Convocation since 1910. This event holds great significance for undergraduate students, representing a major milestone in their lives. The ceremony has evolved over time, but its importance remains unchanged. It marks the first gathering of the complete Class, and they will have the opportunity to meet again during Hey Day in their junior year and, ultimately, come together for Commencement during their senior year.
Econ Scream
A cathartic release of stress and a unifying experience for students in the field of economics. As the academic pressures reach their peak, the Econ Scream provides a collective outlet for frustrations, fears, and anxieties. Join your fellow economists as you let out a resounding scream, symbolizing a shared sense of camaraderie and support.
(Class Boards, Office of Student Affairs)
Family Weekend
Family Weekend: A heartwarming occasion to bring families together, creating cherished memories and experiencing the vibrant spirit of our university. From engaging campus activities to meaningful conversations, this weekend celebrates the bond between families and their student's.
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(Hosted by: Office of Student Affairs and campus partners)
Feb Club
Igniting the winter months with an extraordinary burst of energy and community. This cherished tradition at the University of Pennsylvania brings students together for a month-long celebration filled with themed parties, spirited events, and unforgettable memories. Join the vibrant tapestry of Feb Club, where laughter, friendships, and lasting connections flourish.
(Class Board, Office of Student Affairs)
First Toast at Feb Club
Igniting the month of February with exuberance and camaraderie. As students come together to kick off Feb Club, the First Toast sets the stage for a month-long celebration of themed parties and vibrant festivities. With glasses raised high, laughter fills the air as friendships are forged and memories begin to take shape.
(The Penn Fund)
Final Toast
A bittersweet gathering to commemorate the culmination of a transformative journey. As graduation nears, students come together for this heartfelt tradition, raising a glass to the countless memories, challenges overcome, and lifelong friendships forged. The Final Toast is a moment to reflect, honor achievements, and embrace the exciting future that awaits.
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(Alumni Relations)
Franklin Fest
Franklin Fest is a highlight of the Alumni Weekend at the University of Pennsylvania, offering a lively and engaging atmosphere for alumni to reconnect and celebrate their ties to the university. It is a time for celebration, featuring a mix of entertainment, activities, and opportunities for alumni to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and ongoing innovations of their alma mater. This festive event encapsulates the spirit of camaraderie and pride among Penn's diverse alumni network, creating lasting memories and strengthening the bond within the Penn community.
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(Alumni Relations)
Highball to Hey Day
Highball to Heyday is an integral part of the New Student Orientation at Penn, designed to introduce freshmen to the rich tapestry of Penn traditions through a vibrant carnival celebration. This event marks the beginning of their college journey, offering a spirited welcome into the community. As freshmen navigate through the lively atmosphere, they're not just spectators but active participants in the legacy that defines the Penn experience.
(Penn Traditions, NSOAI)
Hey Day
A cherished Penn tradition that symbolizes the transition from junior to senior, as students don their iconic red t-shirts with pride. On this special day, the campus comes alive with a contagious spirit of camaraderie and anticipation. Juniors embrace their impending seniorhood, while seniors reflect on their journey and pass down their wisdom to the next class.
(Class Board, Office of Student Affairs)
Homecoming
A time-honored tradition that brings alumni, students, and the entire Penn community together in a spirited celebration. From the exciting football game that ignites the crowd with school pride to the lively tailgates and reunions, Homecoming creates an atmosphere of joy, nostalgia, and connection.
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(Hosted by: Alumni Relations and Athletics)
Ivy Day
Ivy Day at UPenn involves planting ivy and placing an "Ivy Stone" on a significant structure. It occurs on the Saturday before Commencement since 1981. Awards are given to four graduating males and four graduating females, named after playing cards. A distinguished speaker selected by the class delivers an address. For instance, in 1983, a stone was placed at Franklin Field to celebrate UPenn's Ivy League championship.
New Alumni Orientation is a unique and engaging program designed by the University of Pennsylvania to welcome recent graduates into the alumni community. This orientation serves as a bridge, transitioning students from their academic journey to becoming active, engaged members of the alumni network. It offers an overview of alumni benefits, resources, and ways to stay connected with the university and fellow graduates. Through this orientation, new alumni are introduced to the vast network of Penn alumni worldwide, highlighting opportunities for professional growth, networking, and lifelong learning within the Penn community.
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(Alumni Relations)
New Student Orientation
An exhilarating initiation into the vibrant world of UPenn. As you embark on your academic journey, orientation serves as a compass, guiding you through the maze of opportunities and resources available. From informative sessions that acquaint you with campus life to engaging activities that foster connections with fellow students, this immersive experience sets the stage for success.
(Hosted by: NSOAI)
Penn Relays
Since 1895, Franklin Field has hosted the prestigious Penn Relays, the oldest and most esteemed track and field tournament in the U.S. With 116 events in 2012 and over 15,000 athletes from North America and beyond, it's the largest track and field competition globally. The event popularized relay races and takes place over five days in late April, drawing massive crowds, sometimes exceeding 100,000.
Spring Fling
UPenn's Spring Fling is an annual end-of-semester party, organized by the Social Planning and Events Committee (SPEC) since 1973. It's considered the East Coast's largest college party and features carnival activities, food, concerts, and performances at College Green and The Quadrangle.
Toast Throwing
During UPenn's distinctive ceremony, Quaker supporters demonstrate school spirit by singing "Drink a Highball" during football games. The song references the university's unofficial cocktail, the Pennsylvanian. In the past, students celebrated victories by throwing toast onto the field, since alcohol was prohibited.
U-Night
An electrifying showcase of talent, creativity, and the vibrant diversity of our university community. As night falls, the campus comes alive with an array of captivating performances, exhibitions, and interactive experiences. From mesmerizing musical performances to thought-provoking art installations, U-Night offers a platform for students to share their passions and showcase their remarkable skills.
(Class Board, Office of Student Affairs, Alumni Relations, NSOAI,)
Walnut Walk
As part of Senior Week at UPenn, graduating seniors participate in Walnut Walk, a day-long citywide pub crawl. Starting on Second Street near the waterfront, the crawl progresses westward along Walnut Street, culminating at Smokey Joe's on 40th Street, just south of Walnut. This event is a cherished tradition and a highlight of Senior Week celebrations.
Weaving the Threads of Legacy and Unity
A tapestry woven with the threads of history, camaraderie, and spirit. From the spirited festivities of Homecoming and Spring Fling to the symbolic transition of Hey Day, these cherished customs create a sense of belonging and pride within the Penn community. As we navigate our academic journeys, we embrace the intellectual legacy of Benjamin Franklin and forge lifelong friendships during New Student Orientation. Through Alumni Weekend, we reconnect with the past while looking forward to the future. Whether it's raising a glass at the Final Toast or joining the electrifying U-Night, Penn Traditions unite us, leaving an indelible mark on our lives and creating a lasting legacy that echoes through the hallowed halls of the University of Pennsylvania.
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