Seniors pass on traditions, participate in events differently

Another year is wrapping up, which can mean many things: finals approaching, due dates creeping up and saying goodbye to seniors. However, last-minute memories are made by attending a series of UMHB traditions.

Ring and Robing Ceremonies and Midnight March will be held April 18. They will be arranged differently this year and for future senior classes. During Robing Ceremony, seniors have the opportunity to pass down student leadership to juniors who are stepping into their new positions on campus. At this time, juniors are officially allowed for the first time to sing the alumni or senior song, “Up With the Purple.”

In the past, the event took place during chapel, but due to some minor conflicts, it will be combined with the Ring Ceremony and Midnight March.

Rebecca O’Banion, director of Alumni Relations, helped with the transitions and  believes they will be beneficial for more people to attend.

“Our desire is for the time change to help both students and parents participate,” she said. “We will begin the ceremony at 8 p.m., so we hope parents will have time to travel to campus after work and be a part of these important traditions.”

There will also be a reception in Shelton Theater for the students and parents to have refreshments before participating in Midnight March.

Joy Childress, administrative assistant of Student Affairs, has been a part of the planning process for the customs and believes each graduate should take pride in what the university has worked to achieve over the years. 

“We live in a society where traditions are slowly fading away,” she said. “It seems as though no one passes on family stories; we’ve all become preoccupied with living life in the now.  I think any time there is an opportunity to participate in a ceremony with tradition and meaning, those who are available to should participate.”

Childress said she understands the Ring and Robing Ceremony may seem unimportant in the moment; however, in the future it will be worth holding on to college memories.

“It may not mean a great deal to them right now,” she said, “but it is something they will look back upon and realize that they too have been a part of history by carrying on the tradition.”

She is excited about all three of the events being combined, as it gives everyone an opportunity to witness a part of UMHB history.  

“I have not been available to attend a Robing Ceremony when it was held during chapel,” Childress said. “This tradition is like handing off the Olympic torch to the next runner. The Ring Ceremony is dear to my heart, because of the symbolism of the ring itself as a completion of a journey and the beginning of a new one.”

Others were able to give personal input on the change being made because of their involvement in last year’s ceremonies.

Melissa Ford, assistant director of Alumni Relations and a 2007 graduate, said when she participated in the ceremonies, she became aware of how fortunate it is to be from a university with a well-built heritage.

“The Robing Ceremony is something that both juniors and seniors look forward to being a part of,” Ford said.  “This university has such a strong history of traditions; therefore, it becomes an honor to be a part of carrying on each tradition.” 

She waited for the ceremonies and knew it would be an exciting day full of moments to cherish.

“I had that day marked in my calendar long before it ever came,” Ford said. “I think these three traditions help build both the excitement and realization that graduation is quickly approaching, and they do serve as great lasting memories of my time as a student.”