The University of Lynchburg has many rich traditions that help make life at Lynchburg unique and enjoyable. These traditions mark important passages or changes in our lives, help us come together as a campus community, and maintain connections with the past, giving us a sense of history and of building on a solid and meaningful foundation. Lynchburg’s traditions embrace the entire campus community: students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Below are some of the many University of Lynchburg traditions. While some are formal and others are not, these traditions represent service, community, friendship, leadership, and involvement — values we hold in the highest regard.
- Academic Awards Ceremony – A dinner is sponsored at the end of each academic year to honor students receiving awards from academic programs and schools. The Sommerville Scholar speaks.
- Baccalaureate and the Candlelight Ceremony – These special services for graduating students are held the evening before undergraduate Commencement.
- Challenge Coin – At Commencement, each student graduating from the Doctor of Medical Science program is issued a special coin symbolizing leadership and advancement. This tradition, appropriate for leaders in health care, was established by Shepard Stone ’18 DMSc, a member of the University’s first cohort of the Doctor of Medical Science program.
- Commencement – Graduation ceremonies include music, procession, speakers, and granting of degrees to the year’s graduates.
- Convocation – Each fall semester starts with a special convocation commemorating the beginning of college life for new undergraduate students and a return to college life at the University of Lynchburg for returning undergraduate students. Faculty wear their academic regalia, and the University president, deans, Student Government Association president, and chair(s) of the Student Judicial Board address new students.
- Crabfest – During the weekend before classes end in May, students, faculty, and staff enjoy a feast of crab legs, music, games, and community.
- Dell Beach – This event happens at the beginning and end of the academic year. Students are invited out on the Dell to enjoy a number of outdoor activities and snacks. The events give students a time to connect and have fun with their peers, enjoying the weather on our campus.
- Doggies in the Dell – This event happens once a semester and encourages faculty and staff to bring their dogs to campus to engage with all students. This is a wonderful opportunity for canine cuddles and fresh air!
- Finals Blowout – At the end of the fall and spring semesters, the Student Activities Board hosts a celebration with games, food, prizes, and fun.
- Homecoming and Family Weekend – A combining of two traditions, Family Weekend offers cultural and social activities for parents, families, and the University community during October in coordination with Homecoming Weekend, where alumni join the campus community for special events including athletics, class reunions, presentation of alumni awards, and entertainment activities.
- Hooding Ceremonies – In preparation to receive their advanced degrees during Commencement, graduate students in designated programs participate in hooding ceremonies. This meaningful recognition of their accomplishments allows family and friends to celebrate the hard work and success of the graduate students.
- Late Night Breakfast – To give students a break from studying for exams, dining services and the Student Government Association host a late-night breakfast with music and activities.
- Leadership, Service, and Student Life Award Ceremony – At the end of the academic year, students and other campus community members are recognized for outstanding leadership and service.
- Organization Fair – At the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, campus clubs and organizations set up displays to provide opportunities for students to learn about and become involved in University organizations.
- Relay For Life – Chosen by students to celebrate the University of Lynchburg and its centennial year in 2003, this student-led event has continued annually, bringing students, faculty, and staff together to raise money to fight cancer, celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and share memory-making fellowship.
- Special Olympics – A day of opportunities each spring for people with intellectual disabilities to experience the excitement of an Olympic-style competition on Lynchburg’s campus.
- Student Scholar Showcase – Selected students present their scholarly papers, creative writing, scientific or historical research, and performance art projects to the campus community during this day-long event.
- Turkey Bowl – Student teams compete in a touch football tournament during the fall semester.
- University of Lynchburg Mace – This official symbol of academic authority is carried by the University marshal, the senior faculty member, at Commencement and all official ceremonies. The Mace was carved from a pine ceiling beam from Westover Hall, the University’s original building, which was dismantled in 1970.
- Westover Alumni Society Weekend – Alumni who attended Lynchburg 41 or more years ago return to campus for reunion activities.
- White Coat Ceremony – Each summer, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master of Physician Assistant first-year students gather to formally don the white coat, signaling their entrance into clinical practice as students. During the ceremony, the students commit to clinical excellence and service in their respective fields.
