Prize Day
In 1932, to shorten graduation exercises, the awarding of student prizes was moved to a separate Prize Day, first held on May 18. This accommodation offered the additional advantage of a student audience not limited to seniors. Referring to the established award night for athletes, Professor Harold Larrabee called Prize Day "an intellectual Block-U Dinner."
In 1964, at the request of the Parents Association, Prize Day was inserted in the Parents’ Weekend schedule, where it remains.
Condensed from Wayne Somers, compiler and editor, Encyclopedia of Union College History (Schenectady: Union College Press, 2003), page 583.
Image courtesy of Union College, Schaffer Library Special Collections and Archives, Photograph Collection