One of the more best parts of going to college or university is joining a community — a place with its own set of traditions and customs. While every person brings their own unique skills and experiences to the table, we are united by what we share. Usually, those commonalities are a lot of fun!
Alma College is no exception. With a history of well over 100 years, Alma has seen many, many stories get passed down. As every student moves through this place, and every graduating class moves on, we see something new get added to the Alma story.
You will make your mark and have your own Alma traditions to share. In the meantime, here are some Alma College customs that our current student body know and love. Get familiar with these and you’ll be ready for your first day on campus!
Scotland, USA
As you drive into the town of Alma, you’ll see a sign that reads “Scotland, U.S.A.” We offer one of the best Highland Arts programs in the country, drawing students from across the continent. We’re well-known for our Kiltie Marching Band, Pipe Band, Kiltie Dancers, signature Tartan pattern and kilt-wearing head football coach. Showing your Scottish pride on-campus is an easy way for everyone to feel included!
The rock
The rock is a space on Alma College’s campus that is truly for students, by students. Located in McIntyre Mall, between the Clack Art Center and the Greg Hatcher Learning Commons, the rock is seen by hundreds of students, staff and faculty every day. It’s typically painted in bright colors, with messages from different organizations on campus, saying when and where an event is happening. Painting the rock often takes place in the wee hours of the morning and is a fun way for students to bond.
Athletics and performing arts events
Alma has thriving athletics and performing arts communities and cheering each other on has been a tradition at Alma College for a long time. The best-attended event on campus might be Saturday afternoon football games, in which Bahlke Field is packed to watch the two-time defending conference champion Scots play against their rivals. Students, staff, faculty and the community also turn out to watch the Kiltie Marching Band, dance and cheer teams perform. It’s the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel unified with your classmates.
Opening convocation
Opening convocation is an event for first-year students that takes place before the start of classes, to celebrate their entry into higher education and to welcome them to the college. At Alma College, students walk through a “gauntlet” of cheering faculty and staff after the ceremony, which is our way of saying, “We are here for you!” That same gauntlet is present at commencement, which symbolizes your beginning and ending as a student at Alma College.
Traditions Tree
Something else that happens before you start classes at Alma College is that you receive an evergreen tree, which symbolizes growth and a connection to the community to which you now belong. Some students have maintained their tree throughout the entirety of their college experience and even took it with them when they graduated! It’s always cool to hear about trees that students have kept for a long time.
Mary Gelston’s ghost
This one is pretty silly — and maybe a little scary? — but hear us out. Mary Gelston is one of the most beloved figures in the long history of Alma College, a faculty member when the college first opened who also served as the dean of women. Gelston Hall, one of the residence halls, is named after her. Legend has it that her ghost haunts the halls, slamming doors and locking students out of their rooms. Is Mary, as she is affectionately known, really to blame? You be the judge.
Read more about becoming a part of the Alma College family at alma.edu/admissions.
