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Caution!
Be extremely careful with the torches!
Saturday evening guidelines
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 form a circle on the sidewalk around the Quad promptly at 8:45 pm. The area will be marked and marshals will be present to direct you. Due to the brevity of the event, 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. 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 Witnall Field.
Students will then be directed to carry the torches to a designated area where they are thrown in a pile to burn out.
The senior class asks that guests view the ceremony from Whitnall Field, or refer to this map of the torchlight route to see other recommended viewing locations. Alumni Drive will be closed to traffic until after the seniors have passed. Parking will be available by the O'Connor Campus Center on the hill and in the area surrounding campus. The Torchlight Ceremony is a wonderful Colgate tradition.