| Traditions | |
- The Arch: The Delmar Archway, or “the Arch” as it is more commonly known, was constructed during the 1961-62 renovation of Kauke Hall. Kauke Hall is the most recognizable building on campus, and the Arch is the reason why. Students are introduced to the Arch when they first arrive on campus. First-year students gather in front of the Arch for their class picture as soon as they arrive on campus, and then they are led by the Scot Pipers through the Arch into McGaw Chapel where they are welcomed by the president. Graduating seniors march through the Arch before being seated in the Oak Grove for the start of commencement ceremonies. When they return for their class reunions, they will march through the Arch again as part of the Parade of Classes.
- Bricks: Bricks have become a symbol for the College of Wooster because of the brick pathways throughout campus. For years, the brick paths were made with bricks manufactured at the Wooster brick yards in town. These bricks are marked with the words “Wooster, Ohio.” It is tradition for seniors to steal a brick from the pathways before they graduate. But the story is, if you steal one before your finish your IS senior year, you won’t graduate!
- IS Parade: "IS Monday," the first Monday after spring break, is the due date for all senior independent studies. Independent studies must be turned into the registrar's office by 4 p.m. The day is a school-wide celebration. Many seniors wear costumes or get special T-shirts made with slogans like "I finISed!" An IS parade begins at 5 p.m. where the pipers and dean of faculty lead the ecstatic seniors through the Arch. The IS Parade ends at Kittredge Dining Hall where pizza is provided for the seniors. Seniors spend the entire day celebrating with their classmates. In fact, alumni around the country hold celebrations every year on IS Monday because they still want to partake in this important tradition.
- Kilts: The Scot Band uniforms are one of the most recognized symbols of the College of Wooster. The idea of using a Scottish-style uniform came in the late 1930s while trying to develop a new band uniform. Through a generous donation by alumnus Birt Babcock, the school purchased the first shipment of MacLeod tartan kilts. The MacLeod tartan had no special significance at the time, other than that the tartan matched school colors. The kilts made their debut in 1940 and have been an important part of Wooster since.
- The Rock: The “Wooster Rock” was given by the class of 1874, and during the past 125 years, it has carved its place in Wooster history. In 1873, the graduating class planted a memorial tree. Unfortunately, a passing cow disapproved of the tree and made short work of it. The class of 1874 wanted something that would stand the test of time and wandering cows. Upon the suggestion of Dr. Orange Nash Stoddard, professor of natural sciences, the class of 1874 removed the rock laboriously from a site near the present Westminster Church House. The rock is the remaining link to Wooster’s earlier days as it was placed just south of Old Main, which was leveled by a fire on December 11, 1901. In 1971, the 20-ton rock was sinking into the ground, so it was moved about 40 feet to its current location where it sits next to McGaw Chapel on a 15-ton base of gravel and concrete. The rock has become a notable landmark, as it has been painted red, blue, and in stripes; at least one attempt was made to dynamite it. During the 50th reunion for the class of 1874, William Pocock, the class secretary, stated “[the rock] has heard so many confessions of lovers, and is in possession of so many secrets, that it now commands the respect of all.”
- Scot Pipers: The Scot Band performed for the first time in 1940, and in 1962, there was an effort to organize and train a pipe band with dancers. The Scot Pipers are one of the most recognizable symbols of Wooster, and you can often hear them play "Scotland the Brave" during the day on campus. The pipers play before many varsity sporting events as well as for "IS Monday," commencement, and other special Wooster events. The sight of the Scot Pipers as they march into the football stadium is one that alumni rank among their fondest memories of Wooster.
- Tootsie Rolls: Every year, when seniors turn their independent study projects into the registar, they are given a Toostie Roll. To people who have not gone through the independent study process, this may seem like a meaningless gesture for completing a 100-plus page project. But to Wooster students, the Toostie Roll has come to represent the end of a long journey at the College. The registar's office has a blow-up Toostie Roll for seniors to take pictures with, and the College claims that some seniors have even had their candy bronzed for commemoration. The Toostie Roll tradition has been going on for decades, all because one of the College’s registrars thought it would be a nice gesture to give students something in return for their work on the IS projects. It just so happens that Toostie Rolls were on sale that year.
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