OUR TRADITIONS
It's difficult to find a college or university in the U.S. that doesn't have a list of traditions that its alumni and students cherish. Marietta is no different. Our storied history has come to include a tradition of shared lore, songs, and activities. From our traditional homecoming celebration each fall, to the restored tradition of Doo Dah Day in the spring, the College's historical conventions connect alumni with current students.
Following are a few of our favorites.
Alma Mater
A mainstay of College events, including Founders Day and Commencement, the Alma Mater traces its melody back to the 19th-century folk song, Sadie Ray, which mourned the loss of a lover ...
Homecoming
Homecoming is one of the oldest traditions at the College despite not having started until 1926. According to Vernon E. "Dan" McGrew's In the Various Branches of Useful Knowledge, "Its genesis is unclear, but the spreading use of automobiles undoubtedly contributed to its growth.
The Rock
When you mention "The Rock" at Marietta College, it's not a reference to Alcatraz, but instead to a large boulder that occupies a very special place on campus and in the hearts of student organizations and their members.
Doo Dah Day
Who was Glen Mello and what was his big idea? It seems that in the spring of 1974, Glen hit upon the notion that the College needed a way to celebrate the arrival of spring and he took his brainstorm all the way up the ladder to the Dean of Students and the Student Life Board.
Messiah Concert
Dating back to 1926, Marietta College's oratorio choir has been performing Handel's Messiah for the Mid-Ohio Valley.