Traditions

For a school of such deep heritage, Gettysburg seems to carry on relatively few traditions—most of which having only recently been introduced or resurrected. However, a few have been around for quite a while:

Midnight Madness

Once or twice a month, and several times during midterms and finals, Servo opens up its doors around midnight and offers free buffet food and drink to students.

Secret Sneaker Sale

Each year around March, the school offers a “secret” sneaker sale, during which the CUB Ballroom is overtaken by hundreds of brand name shoes and sneakers on sale for large discounts.

Springfest

Usually held during the last weekend of April, Gettysburg celebrates spring by holding a huge festival on Stine lake, and provides the last chance before finals for students to let loose. Parties generally start Friday night and wind down Sunday morning, but not before copious amounts of alcohol are imbibed and everyone has one last hurrah before knuckling down to study.

Stole of Gratitude

New for the graduating class of 2005 was the Stole of Gratitude, which was given to each student with the intention that they be awarded after commencement to a person whom the student regarded as pivotal in his or her success at Gettysburg College.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Probably the most popular and well-known Gettysburg tradition is the turkey day dinner. Each year at Thanksgiving, students are served traditional turkey dinners at Servo by members of the faculty.