Traditions

With a long history, Smith has established many cherished traditions—many that have endured throughout decades and even well over a century. From ushering in a new year, to celebrating the accomplishments of graduates and everything in between, learn about some of our most important traditions.

President’s Welcome Assembly

President’s Welcome Assembly, the formal beginning of the college year, is the entering student’s first chance to experience Smith College’s tradition and spirit. The afternoon before classes begin, first-year students and faculty members gather in John M. Greene Hall to listen to an opening address and a performance by the Glee Club.

Mountain Day

Mountain Day is a welcome surprise break from classes, with students celebrating by going out for brunch downtown, picking apples, and relaxing with friends. The president chooses a beautiful fall day and announces the holiday by ringing the college bells. The first Mountain Day was held in 1877.

In recent years, the occasion has also been marked by free cider and doughnuts in the morning, handed out by President Willie-LeBreton.

Cromwell Day

Cromwell Day is an annual slate of workshops, lectures, films, and entertainment designed to honor Smith’s first known African-American graduate, Otelia Cromwell, class of 1900, and her niece, Adelaide Cromwell ’40. Morning and afternoon classes are canceled so students may attend the events. The symposium continues the college’s efforts to combat racism and to create a diverse and multicultural community.

Rally Day

Rally Day is highlighted by an all-college gathering at which distinguished alumnae are awarded Smith College Medals by the president, non-tenured and tenured faculty awards are presented by the SGA Curriculum Committee, and the Elizabeth B. Wyandt Gavel Award is presented to outstanding staff members by the SGA.

Group of students having tea in a house living room

Friday Teas

The tradition of Friday afternoon tea, where students mark the end of a busy week with snacks and tea, stretches back more than 100 years.

Smith even has its own custom tea blends—first introduced during the inauguration festivities of President Sarah Willie-LeBreton—that students enjoy during house teas. (They’re also available for purchase at the bookstore, the Campus Center Café, and online!)

Learn More About the Teas

Commencement Weekend Traditions

Commencement Weekend is marked each year by a series of events—Ivy Day, Illumination Night, and the Commencement ceremony itself. Each event offers a unique chance for graduates to reflect upon and celebrate their accomplishments and their time at Smith.

Ivy Day

Ivy Day has been a Smith tradition for more than a century. On the day before Commencement, alumnae escort the seniors, dressed in white and carrying roses, in a parade around campus. Then the seniors plant ivy to symbolize the connection between the college and its graduates.

Illumination Night

On Illumination Night, the campus is lit only by colored paper lanterns and fanciful light displays on some major buildings. The college basks in a soft glow, perfect for reminiscing on four years of Smith education and escapades. As dusk approaches, candles are passed around and a sign across Paradise Pond lights up honoring the graduating class.

Commencement

The culmination of years of hard work toward a Smith degree, Commencement honors undergraduate and graduate students alike in their accomplishments. Each year, several distinguished honorands are chosen to receive honorary doctorates from the college.

Colors & Mascot

Official Colors

In 2025, Smith College officially adopted the familiar blue and gold as its colors. Blue represents trust and reliability, while gold conveys optimism and joy—together, they reflect the strength of Smith’s heritage and the warmth of its community.

Historically, Smith’s official color was white, a legacy that continues to be honored today. White remains a central part of cherished college events, including Ivy Day and the Alumnae Parade, where students and graduates wear white as a symbol of unity and tradition.

In addition to Smith’s official colors, each class has its own designated color, repeating in a four-year cycle: the class of ’25 is yellow, ’26 is red, ’27 is green, and ’28 is blue. This tradition dates back to the 1880s when class colors were used for sports competitions. The Ada Comstock Class uniquely represents all colors with a rainbow.

Mascot

Smith’s athletic teams had been known as the Pioneers since 1986. The name expresses the spirit of Smith’s students and our leadership role in women's athletics (the first women’s basketball game was played at Smith in 1893).

In 2025, in response to surveys of student-athletes who reported feeling disconnected from the Pioneers moniker and after input from the Smith community, the college announced a fierce new moniker: the Smith Bears. Read more about what (and who!) inspired the final decision. A visual representation of the mascot will be unveiled in the fall.