Posted in Campus traditions, General Elon History, Symbols on August 31, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Katie Nash
August 31, 2012
During most events at Elon University, the large university seal is usually present. Maybe you have never noticed it before, but hopefully after reading this blog post you will begin to notice it and have a better understanding of what it means and its origins. (more…)
Posted in Academics, Campus traditions, Student Life on August 24, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Katie Nash
August 24, 2012
Students, 1890-1899
What if Elon students were required to wear a uniform while on campus and/or attending classes? Today students have a choice about what to wear each day, but that was not always the case for Elon students. The first mention of students wearing uniforms appears in the 1890-1891 Bulletin of Elon College catalog publication. It states, “For economy and to avoid unpleasant distinctions in dress, young ladies will be required to wear a black uniform. The trimmings and scarfs to be determined by the individual’s taste. It is desired that the quality shall not be expensive, but heavy enough to hold the color and last through the winter. Young men need plain and substantial, but not expensive clothing. As a general rule, the more money a student spends on dress the less time is given to study.” It was understood that the uniform for men and women would be worn on all public occasions.
Students, 1900-1919
The uniform changed slightly for women in 1895 to a navy blue uniform that was also to be worn on all public occasions. For commencement, women were expected to wear a white lawn dress. As stated in the 1895 Bulletin, “Cost not to exceed 80 cents per yard.” Beginning in the 1901-02 Bulletin the statement about uniforms changed to say, “Each girl is required to wear for a winter uniform a suit of plain black goods; for the spring white pique skirt and white waist of any kind. The Oxford caps are worn all the year. Uniforms should be made at home, whenever convenient to do so.”
The uniforms for women changed again in 1906-07. The Bulletin states, “Young ladies will wear, during the fall and spring waists of inexpensive material and plain black or blue black woolen skirts. During the winter jackets of the same material as the skirts will also be worn. On Sundays and all public occasions during the fall and spring plain white pique linen or duck skirts and plain white waists may be worn; during the winter plain black or blue black woolen skirts and jackets, and waists of any inexpensive material. Oxford caps will be worn throughout the year.”
Graduating class, 1900-1919
Beginning in 1912-1913, there was no official uniform required for students. The uniform statement in The Bulletin reads, “No uniform is required, but simplicity in dress, both for young men and young women, is required. Decollete dresses will not be permitted. On all public and evening occasions, except at Commencement, simple white dresses shall be worn. Parents and guardians are earnestly requested not to let their daughters spend too much on dress, and the right is always reserved to refuse to allow a dress to be worn that in the opinion of the Faculty is too expensive or too elaborately made. Dress hats may be worn on Sunday morning, but shall not be worn on any other public occasion at the College nor to recitations. When possible all clothing should be made at home.”
The dress code changed again in 1920-21. While no uniform was required, “…simplicity in dress, both for young men and young women is required. Young women are permitted to wear evening dresses only on such occasions as are declared formal by the College authorities. The Dean of Women will be glad to confer with parents at any time in regard to suitable wardrobes for young women.” This statement was included in The Bulletin until the 1933-34 edition, and then beginning in the 1935-36 catalog there was no mention of a dress code.
In summation, Elon students were required to wear a uniform beginning in 1890 and ending in 1912.
Posted in Campus traditions on May 18, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Katie Nash
May 18, 2012
Oak saplings at Commencement
Commencement at Elon in 1991 marked the first time tree saplings were handed out to graduates. Furman Moseley (Class of 1956) was the Commencement speaker that year, and gave graduates California Redwood saplings. President Fred Young (1973-1999) decided to carry on this tradition at the 1992 Commencement by giving each graduate an oak sapling. According to the Elon Traditions web site, “Upon graduation, each graduate is given a Shumard oak sapling to celebrate the growth they have experienced throughout their time at Elon as well as the growth they’ll encounter as lifelong learners. ” This tradition is continued today, and may your oak sapling thrive!
Read more here about the tradition at Elon.
Posted in Academics, Campus traditions, Faculty and Staff on May 11, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Katie Nash
May 11, 2012
Faculty wearing academic regalia, Commencement 1987
Academic regalia has been worn by faculty and students at Elon during Commencement and selected Convocations since the first Commencement at Elon in 1891. The wearing of academic regalia at modern colleges and university’s originated in medieval European universities and has not changed much since the 16th century. It signifies the wearer’s academic accomplishment and includes a robe, head covering, and hood. (more…)
Posted in Academics, Campus traditions, Faculty and Staff on May 4, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Katie Nash
May 4, 2012
Elon Mace
Commencement at Elon is full of long-standing traditions. Over the next few weeks, we’ll highlight a few of these traditions, starting with the Elon mace. Have you ever witnessed Dr. Earl Danieley carrying a large silver item at university events such as Convocation and Commencement? Indeed, Dr. Danieley along with numerous faculty members have shared the privilege of carrying the Elon mace during campus events. (more…)
Posted in Alumni, Campus traditions, Student organizations on October 17, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Katie Nash
October 17, 2011
Homecoming float, 1991
“Mardi Gras at Elon” was the Homecoming theme in 1991. Prior to Homecoming week, a few events were scheduled which included Skit Night in Whitley Auditorium, and the infamous Homecoming float competition that took place on Haggard Avenue. The Homecoming floats were created by a number of student organizations. The float competition preceded the Elon football game, in which the Fightin’ Christians played the Bulldogs of Gardner-Webb (and Elon lost). Other events that took place during Homecoming included a penny drive to benefit the United Way and a carnival. (more…)
Posted in Campus traditions on May 16, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Campus traditions, Student Life on January 31, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Miriam Pace – volunteer in Archives
January 31, 2011
1950s May Day celebration in Alumni Gym
Elon College’s first May Day was celebrated in 1921. However, there was a problem. Dancing was frowned upon at Elon and when the spectators saw the girls “cavorting” on the lawn in front of West Dormitory, they were horrified! There were no more May Days at Elon until 1931! But from 1931 to 1942 the day and the dancing and the crowning of the Queen and King proceeded without a hitch. Then… (more…)
Posted in Academics, Campus traditions, Cultural events, Student Life on September 15, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Pam Richter – Class of 2011
September 15, 2010
On Tuesday, September 21, Rob Gifford will be speaking at Elon University for this year’s common reading lecture. Gifford is the author of China Road, which was selected as the common reading book for the campus this year.
Each spring a committee consisting of faculty, staff, and students choose a book for the Elon community to read for the following year. Often times these books are integrated into the Global Experience or Elon 101 classes and often times the author of the book deliver a lecture on campus during the fall. (more…)
Posted in Campus traditions, Student Life on August 26, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Pam Richter – Class of 2011
August 26, 2010
Here is a glimpse of move-in day throughout the years at Elon. Freshman for the class of 2014 move-in at Elon on Friday, August 27.
