Traditions

You'll leave Union someday, but Union will never really leave you. By the time you're a senior, you'll have accrued enough memorable, fun and gratifying experiences to last a lifetime.
The Union College sign and students sitting at a table talking to one another.

Motto

Sous les lois de Minerve nous devenons tous frères et sœurs (Under the laws of Minerva, we all become brothers and sisters)

Commencement

Held each year in front of Schaffer Library, Commencement ceremonies include a celebratory walk through the western door of the Nott Memorial.

Video: 2022 Commencement highlights
Photo on the left shows students walkign through the Nott; the one to the right show students throwing their caps up inot the air

Convocation

The official start of the academic year is an opportunity for the entire Union community—students, faculty and staff—to welcome the incoming class.

Students holding a Sorum House banner as they process through Memorial Chapel.
President Harris addresses students, faculty and staff gathered in Memorial Chapel to participate in Convocation 2023.

The Dip

Each winter, students plunge into icy water to raise money for Union community members fighting cancer. The event generates thousands of dollars.

Students at a table promoting the Dip fundraiser
Left: President Harris takes the plunge; right: A student sliding down towards the pool

Founders Day

Commemorating the anniversary of the granting of the College's charter, Founders Day features a distinguished keynote speaker, student musical performances and recognition of outstanding accomplishments in education.

Video: Founders Day 2023
Union College choir performing in Memorial Chapel

Homecoming and Family Weekend

Each fall, the Union community comes together to celebrate creativity, tradition and to make new memories.

Various scenes of Homecoming acitivities including students singing

Springfest

One of the most anticipated events of the year, the student-run Springfest features an array of music from contemporary performers and bands. Past festivals have included DNCE, Charlie XCX, Anne Marie, 24k goldn, Sage the Gemini and Hot Chelle Rae. The festival takes place on the expanse of lawn known as West Beach.

Students cheering at Springfest

Springfest

Enthusiastic students cheering on a Springfest performance

Steinmetz Symposium

One Friday each May, classes are suspended to allow hundreds of students to present their research projects to faculty, peers and visiting parents. Topics are fascinating and varied—everything from women's freedom in ancient Athens to anti-nuclear activism.

Photo shows Bhangra dance performaners and students loooking at motorized vehicles

Toll Day

Volunteers from the campus community fan out across Schenectady to spruce up parks and other public spaces each fall.

A student painting a bench
Students clearing brush

Winterfest

S'mores and hot cocoa around the firepit; weatherproof fun and games.

Students enjoying popcorn at Winterfest 2022
Students enjoying Winterfest: To the right students queue in line for food. Left: Students pose for photos.