William Penn Memorial Day

Date of Event
Thu., Apr. 25, 1907

For the two hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of William Penn "granting the Pennsylvania frame of government" the college held celebrations in Bosler Hall. Along with many different departments and their invited guests, the senior class appeared in their cap and gowns. President George Edward Reed announced the college's plans to add a new department that will give students a "broad and thorough preparation for a business life" to the school. President George Reed announced that Penn Hall will be built to house this department.

Event Type

Founder's Day Celebrations for Sigma Alpha Epsilon

Date of Event
Fri., Mar. 8, 1907

The Pennsylvania Sigma Phi chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon gathered in the Assembly hall for their annual Founder's day dance and reception. Large letters, S.A.E, made of hemlock were on display in the hall as well as other decorations honoring the fraternity. The Germania Orchestra performed at the event. 

Founders' Day 1921

Date of Event
Sat., May 7, 1921

Founder's Day celebrates the anniversary of the founding of the college. The festivities included Breakfast, Founders' Day Address in Bosler Hall by Dr Leon Prince followed by a campus sing, athletics (such as tennis, baseball, and track), a picnic supper on Metzger lawn, and concluded with Living Pictures on Metzger Porch.

Event Type

Founder's Day 1922

Date of Event
Tue., May 16,1922

Founder's Day celebrates the anniversary of the founding of the college. The festivities included breakfast in the gymnasium, an address by Judge W.A. Powell at chapel exercises, decoration of graves by the Sophomore committee, an Inter-Class Track and Field Meet, Supper in Metzger Hall, and an All-College sing on Metzger lawn.

1932 May Day Breakfast

Date of Event
Thu., May 12, 1932

The YWCA opened the 1932 Founder's Day celebrations with a May Day breakfast for the campus community in the Old Gymnasium.  The gym was decorated with lilacs, orchids, and greenery; guests wore flowers given to them at the door.  The menu consisted of cereal, fruit, ham, eggs, rolls, and coffee.

Event Type

Anniversaries of the Literary Societies 1866

Date of Event
Mon., Dec. 17, 1866

This anniversary celebration was held on December 17 and 18, 1866 in Rheem's Hall. On Monday (December 17), the Union Philosophical Society celebrated their 78th anniversary with six members of the society giving orations. On Tuesday (December 18), the Belles Lettres Society celebrated their 81st anniversary, also with six orations.

Event Type

The Founders Convocation of the 200th Anniversary of Dickinson College

Date of Event
Sat., Sep. 16, 1972

Many important people, such as senators, judges, and lieutenant governors were in attendance for this celebration. The Convocation address was given by US Senator Richard S. Schweiker. Honorary degrees were then given out. A history of the Academic Procession was given in the program.

75th Anniversary of the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in Pennsylvania

Date of Event
Thu., Apr. 26, 1962

In this three part event, both the founding of Dickinson College and the 75th anniversary of the Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Kappa were celebrated. An address was given on "The United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa"  by the Phi Beta Kappa Senator. At a luncheon remarks were given on "Dickinson College and Phi Beta Kappa."

Event Type

1941 Founders' Day Celebration

Date of Event
Sat., May 3, 1941

The College celebrates Founders' Day with a processional, a display of the original deed given to William Penn by King Charles II, and an address from Guy E. Snavely, Executive Director of the Association of American Colleges.  This was the first Founders' Day that recognized 1773, rather than 1783, as the official date of founding.

Event Type