One of our oldest traditions, the very first Odd/Even game was played in 1898. Here, first-year students are selected for teams depending on whether they will graduate in odd or even-numbered years. Each team participates in a sing-off competition before the annual basketball game. Regardless of which team wins, there is plenty of enthusiasm, and valued memories are once again added to this long-standing tradition.
Tea and coffee are served every Wednesday afternoon in Macmillan Hall's Art Exhibit Room. Though the long dresses and china cups have long since disappeared, this break from afternoon seminars is still a great time to get together with friends and professors.
Opening Convocation celebrates the beginning of the academic year and is the seniors' first chance to wear academic gowns. A traditional part of this convocation is the candlelight ceremony, where the spirit of the Wells connection is passed from alumnae/i to students, signifying the support that Wells students give one another throughout their lives.
To celebrate the holiday spirit, the Traditions Committee organizes a traditional holiday show for students and the village of Aurora to enjoy. The main attractions of the night are holiday skits, singing carols, an appearance by Santa Claus and cookies and hot chocolate.
May Day is a ceremony organized by the senior and first-year classes and celebrates the "Royal Senior Court."
Since the first graduation activities were held in 1869, Wells has hosted a distinguished Commencement ceremony accompanied by many festivities for Wells students and their families, including rides in the original Wells Fargo stagecoach.
Each spring, on the Monday of the last week of classes, the senior class promotes students to the next class year. This all-student occasion includes skits, songs, jokes and the pinning of the juniors with college pins.
Other traditions include Halloween Hayride, Spring Week, Talent Show, Sophomore Smash, Junior Blast, decorating the statue of Minerva and so many more.
