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Mount Holyoke College Gems & Traditions
Western Massachusetts is a gem in itself for it’s classically New England landscapes and rolling green hills. The historical roots here are ancient relative to American history. We’re talking pre-Revolutionary War, which is basically equivalent to the Pyramids in American dog years! Explore the wilderness, or at least start with some of these local gems. Dorm hermits end up missing out on a whole education outside of the classroom. And remember friends don’t let friends go into hiding under their down comforters, so be a pal and bring your roommate along.
- Village Commons: Complete with all the relaxing activities that only require a, “You wanna go…” to finish the sentence: Boutiquing, restauranting, coffeehousing, movie theatering, bookshopping, verbing?
- Mount Holyoke: You’ve seen the school, now climb the mountain! Consider the mountain your school’s Great Aunt if not only for the namesake but also for its wise, distinguished, and slightly overbearing presence. Also you should know be it your roommate, your professor, or even the person you hooked up with last night—at one time or another someone will tell you, “Take a hike!” and Mount Holyoke may just be the perfect place to do that.
- The Shuttle: Well the shuttle itself isn’t a gem…but where it takes you is pretty cool! This aging bus will be your all expense paid ticket out of South Hadely and into the bee-bopping world of Amherst and Northhampton. The nightlife in North Hadely can leave much to be desired, so do yourself a favor and go listen to some tunes at one of the many music venues.
- Dr. Seuss Memorial: So you spent the night doing shots and your stomach is all tied in knots. Pep up you lazy schlup! Button up your nicest blouse; it’s time to get out of the house! Drink a glass of orange juice and spend the day with Dr. Seuss! At least go see what’s on display, it’s a measly 20 minutes away!
- Revolutionary War Meusem: Phych! NOT! J.K.! There should be one though, don’t you think you history buff, you? There is however an Old Firehouse Mesuem featuring old fire equitment and artifacts.
- Mount Holyoke College Art Museum: Unlike certain museums
that don’t allow chewing gum in the building and make you stand behind
a velvet rope so you don’t “disrupt the painting” (Louvre, ahem), Mt. Holyoke’s
museum is considered a “teaching museum” intended to reach out and educate.
Works span the globe, ranging from Asia, Europe,
the United
States as well as classical Egyptian, Greek,
and Roman.
Mt. Holyoke Traditions
DISorientation: Originally titled Freshman Day, this tradition is one that has survived since the early 1900's. In the beginning, it was a combination of fighting and arguing between upper-classwomen and the first years, which would eventually lead to one group claiming superiority to the other… you take a guess who won. The day involved a variety of games and first year indentured servitude.
Freshman Day eventually turned into Hazing Day where the first year's served the seniors. The helpful-hands often had to be in costumes or bathing suits and singing was common. At the end of the day, this freshman-senior interaction turned more pleasant with the seniors taking the firsties out for a snack or movie.
After the anti-hazing law was passed in the late 1980's, Hazing Day had to take on a different name. DisOrientation, or "Dis-O" as it is commonly known as, adopted new rules and definitely changed course.
Today the event is top secret and requires firsties to sign up in their dorms.
Family Weekend: During this weekend, parents attend plays, lectures and musical performances. Family Weekend offers a glimpse into the life of a Holyoke student, but really doesn't come close to showing the entire experience. Well… unless you want to put them in a costume and make them sing songs.
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