There are many time-honored traditions that make Saint Mary's College truly unique and are held dear by generations of alumnae. Here are just a few:
In the summer of 1855, when the Sisters of the Holy Cross settled here at the current location, Mother Angela Gillespie, CSC, was the director of Saint Mary's Academy and oversaw the planning of the new campus site. One of the most important features of the design was The Avenue, a road lined with maple and sycamore trees. These majestic “old soldiers” provide some of the most enduring imagery of the campus.
The Bell Tower at the center of Le Mans Hall is not only where you can find the best view of campus, but it is a Saint Mary’s staple. The only times students will tour the tower are during senior week and when they return for Reunion.
Closing the Circle is an event that first-year students participate in during their orientation as incoming students to signify that they are coming together as a class. Then, during Senior Week (the week leading up to Commencement), seniors attend Opening the Circle, symbolizing that they are leaving the College to make a difference in the world through the education and experiences they’ve gained at Saint Mary’s.
During Orientation, family and friends cheer students on as they take their first official walk down The Avenue. This experience is then mirrored during Senior Week when students take their final walk down The Avenue as faculty and staff cheer them on one last time.
In their junior year, Saint Mary’s students have the opportunity to purchase their class ring. Our distinctive ring is an unchanging link for all Belles. The design features the motto for the College, Spes Unica, the French cross, along with the anchors found in the seals of the Holy Cross congregations and the College. Some legacy Belles inherit their ring from a relative. Belles love their rings, and take them all over the world, sharing their journeys via social media. #RingsDoingThings
After first-years, sophomores, and juniors leave campus for the summer, our seniors stay on to celebrate a full week of activities just before Commencement. Party on the island, a champagne brunch thrown by the Alumnae Association, Bell Tower tours, opening the circle, a senior formal, and handprints in the tunnel are just a few of the special traditions that await our graduating students.
During Senior Week, each class gets the opportunity to immortalize themselves on campus by filling a section of the tunnels with their handprints as a symbol of them having a hand in making Saint Mary’s what it is today.
Saint Mary's College was founded in 1844 by a group of trailblazing women, The Sisters of the Holy Cross, to educate leaders who can anticipate and respond to the needs of our times. Belles have the opportunity to create strong bonds with the Sisters of the Holy Cross who live on campus through the popular Friends with Sisters program which pairs students with retired sisters and through courses offering experiential learning opportunities where students connect with them about their lives of service in education, healthcare, and other ministries.
