Traditions

Devil-Goat Day

One of Mary Washington's most unique and lasting traditions began in the 1920s.  The campus-wide competition affectionately known as Devil-Goat Day grew from friendly class competitions on the athletic fields.

Former Mary Washington educator Eileen Kramer Dodd told how it all began in 1926.  "I was sponsor of the junior class my first year.  We decided to have a goat as our symbol.  One morning at breakfast, we all appeared in the dining hall wearing white skirts and white sweatshirts decorated with a felt green goat. Then the seniors decided to have a distinctive symbol, and they adopted a red devil as an emblem.  So began the Devil-Goat rivalry that was to last for so many years!"

In the following years, the tradition gained popularity and new activities were added.  The "even-year Goats" adopted a real live goat as their on-campus mascot, and the "odd-year Devils" made an annual sport of stealing the animal, and hiding it somewhere in the town.  Devil girls also showed their pride with devil logos on sweaters, hats, and lawn art. 

The tradition further evolved into a Devil or Goat week.  The class in the "boss's" seat dictated the rules and activities.  Lucky students were forced to wear their coats backward, eat in the dining room with their chairs reversed, and use certain sidewalks on campus.   If a student failed to do so, they earned black marks, which meant they had to perform penalty acts at the culminating rally on Saturday night. 

The Daisy Chain

The daisy chain figured prominently in June commencements during the '30s, when the lengthy floral mass was carried on the shoulders of the two-year graduates. The chain was laid around the stage of the open-air theatre during the ceremony, a striking backdrop for the graduates. At the conclusion of ceremonies, the daisy chain was borne away again by the sophomores, and was draped over Willard Hall for the rest of the weekend. This tradition ended in 1941 when the college discontinued two-year diplomas.

May Day

May Day was a celebration of the spirit of spring, and it was one of the biggest festivities of the year. Being elected May Queen was quite an honor. To be included in the May Court was a highly prized recognition of womanly beauty, charm, and grace. Tryouts for the May court were conducted as early as February. Each of the four classes prepared a list of nominees, conducted promenades, and voted for its representatives by secret ballot. The May Queen nominees promenaded in evening dress to appropriate music, while the audience took note of their poise, bearing, beauty, and “queenly presence.”

The May Day program began with a processional led by the Queen and her attendants, the senior Maypole dancers, and then the classes with their colors. A May song was sung by the entire school, and Maypole, Spanish, and Swedish folk dances and music were performed by the glee club.

In the '60s, women's roles and rights began to change, and so did interest in the May Queen programs.  In 1968, Sally Monroe Kelly was crowned as the last MWC May Queen.

The Freshman Beanie

The beanie tradition represented a unifying activity for the freshman class. One account of beanie-related activities stated that beanies were worn whenever incoming students were to be outside of their rooms.

These distinctive hats were worn until a specified time and date when freshmen were brought together to perform "the beanie yell." According to this account, upperclassmen were positioned at nearby campus locations, and listened for the sound of the freshman "beanie yell." Upperclassmen would signal when they heard the unique salute, and then the freshmen were allowed to remove their beanies.

Junior Ring Week

Junior Ring Week, hosted by Class Council, honors students who have achieved junior status and are eligible to wear the school ring. A week's observance in late March includes a ring presentation ceremony, the Junior Ring Dance, a scavenger hunt, and the opportunity for the other classes to celebrate by playing innocent pranks on the juniors.

Spirit Rock

Since September 2001, this 20-ton piece of granite located between Woodard Campus Center and Willard Hall has inspired students to share their feelings, birthday wishes, achievements, and hopes for the future.  Affectionately known as the spirit rock, the local landmark has gained status and reputation and is an iconic part of the campus community.

Graduation

Every May, families, friends, and professors gather to watch the procession of graduates. The audience is treated to musical offerings by campus groups, addresses by keynote speakers and members of the administration, award presentations, and the conferring of degrees.  By midday, graduates switch their tassels and throw their caps into the air to celebrate the culmination of their years of dedicated hard work.