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Annual Traditions

Annual Traditions

Over 155 Years of College Traditions

Dean College Traditions

For over a century and a half, Dean College has energized campus life through traditions that connect current students with the College’s rich history. 

President’s Cup Golf Tournament

image of a golf ball with the dean college bulldog logo that is on putting green next to the hole at the President's Cup Golf Tournament

For over 20 years, alumni, parents, vendors and friends of Dean College have come together to raise money to benefit the Dean College Scholarship Fund.  

Homecoming: For Alumni and Families

image of students, alumni and families at homecoming for alumni and families

Homecoming is a day for families to get inside look at Dean and for alumni to reminisce about their experiences, share their alma mater with their families, and make new memories. 

Leadership Conference

image of students standing, facing the podium during leadership conference

Held each fall semester, this annual conference is the beginning of students' leadership journey at Dean.

Veterans Day Ceremony

image of a crowd listening to a speaker at the dean college veterans day ceremony on campus.

Members of the Dean College Community — alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members — join each year at the War Memorial along Awpie Way to honor those who have and are currently serving our country.

Thanksgiving Dinner

image of students sitting around a dinner table in the dining center smiling at the camera with their plates full of food from thanksgiving dinner.

One week before Thanksgiving break, the Sodexo Dining team prepares a wonderful spread for students, featuring everyone’s Thanksgiving favorites. The meal is served to students by Dean College faculty and staff members.

Winter Days

outdoor image of four students looking at the camera and smiling during an event for winter days.

This two-day program is filled with fun activities and serves to celebrate the end of the fall semester.

Annual Tree Lighting

image of the annual tree lighting ceremony at dean college.

The lighting of the tree on Awpie Way not only welcomes the holiday season but brings the Franklin Community together to share in good cheer.

Late Night Breakfast

Image of a student being served breakfast food by faculty and staff at late night breakfast.

During each week of finals, Dean College faculty and staff, along with the assistance from the Sodexo Dining team, serve up pancakes, tater tots, eggs and more to students after hours. 

50 Days until Commencement

image of two students smiling and hugging in the dean college campus center to celebrate 50 days until commencement.

Offices throughout campus come together for a celebration where the graduating class receives information about career planning, being active alums, free gifts and more!

Athletics-Academics-Achievement Ceremony

Image of two students holding awards for athletic and academic achievement and standing in front of a dean college backdrop

This ceremony recognizes student-athletes who have achieved a 3.2 GPA or higher, in either the past semester or cumulatively over the past two or three semesters.

Dean Leadership Institute Executive Lecture

Image of Jonathan Kraft at the podium speaking during the dean leadership institute executive lecture event.

Featuring an unprecedented list of national business leaders, this is the signature event for the Dean Leadership Institute (DLI). The event includes a dinner with students and sponsors, culminating in an evening lecture. 

Golden Key International Honor Society

image of three students standing in front of banner during Golden Key International Honor Society event.

The baccalaureate students who are inducted into Dean College’s chapter of Golden Key have been selected for membership because of their outstanding academic achievements and their conduct in the Dean Community.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

image of two students standing in front of banner during Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society event.

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society recognizes and encourages academic achievement among two-year college students.

National Society for Leadership & Success Induction Ceremony

image of two students smiling during National Society for Leadership & Success Induction Ceremony

The Induction Ceremony is held every spring and is one of the most important steps for the National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS). The Society is an organization that helps people discover and achieve their goals.

Spring Fling

image of two students on a carnival ride during Spring Fling event.

Held at the end of the spring semester, the two-day event includes activities throughout the day and evening, including a carnival, BBQ and more!

Faculty & Staff vs. Students Softball Game

image of a group of faculty, staff and students during the Faculty & Staff vs. Students softball game.

This softball game is one of Dean’s longest-standing traditions. Each year the College Community comes together to see who will dominate the field and be crowned the winner.

Dean College 50th Society

image of alumni from the 50th society wearing graduation caps and gowns smiling in front of the dean college 50th society sign.

Comprised of alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago from Dean, the 50th Society is a group of our most seasoned and valued alumni.  The Dean College 50th Society is a group of our most seasoned and valued alumni. Each year, members return to campus to participate in Commencement activities.

Commencement

image of students wearing caps and gowns during the Dean College Commencement ceremony.

Commencement is one of the most honored traditions at Dean College. Each year, members of the Dean Community come together to recognize graduating students for their extraordinary accomplishments both in and outside of the classroom.

Students begin their journey to the Commencement area by walking across the bridge in the Campus Center, which is lined with all the faculty and staff, who are there to applaud them for their accomplishments.

The longest-standing tradition for Commencement dates to the days of Dean Academy, where graduating students walked under a trellis of wisteria prior to the ceremony. Those who walk under the wisteria are said to be bestowed with immortality and longevity. This tradition is still a significant part of the ceremony today.

In addition, each graduate, faculty and staff member pat our bronze Boomer statue on the head as we process into the ceremony. Dean College also gives any College staff the opportunity to give their child/family member the diploma at Commencement.