Saturday Evening
The impressive torchlight ceremony is carried out in near darkness except for the torches, and the processional and recessional are silent. It also carries some risk. For that reason, students on crutches, in high heels, or who apparently are unable to walk safely down the hill will be asked to join the class at the field. Do not swing or wave the torches, as sparks could ignite someone's hair or robe. Stay a reasonable distance away from others. Do not rush down the hill.
Students are required to wear gowns and should assemble on the Quad in the area in front of the west wing of Lathrop Hall promptly at 8:45 p.m. The area will be marked and marshals will be present to direct you. In view of the brevity of what is to follow, no seating will be provided. Students will be escorted in a double column to the bins of torches where you will be given your torch. Junior marshals will assist you in organizing the columns and will lead each column to the torch fire. Light your torch as you pass the fire, then proceed in a double column down the hill, between Lathrop and Lawrence. Traffic on Alumni Road will be halted until all students have crossed. The class continues down the hill past the library and along College Street to Whitnall Field.
Students will then be directed to make a large circle and carry the torches to a designated area where they are thrown in a pile there to burn out.