Wednesday, September 30, 2009

First Term off to CHILLY Beginning

How can you tell it Is First Term at Elmira College? The leaves are turning, students are bundled up on their way to class, and most importantly… MOUNTAIN DAY SINGING HAS STARTED!

Dean Anstice Harris instituted the Mountain Day tradition at Elmira College in October of 1918. The day is not a designated holiday, but rather a day in which classes are cancelled allowing for students, faculty, and administrators to relate to each other in memorable and less formal ways. To persuade the President to grant a Mountain Day, students gather during a period of several nights in front of the President’s home, singing various Mountain Day and original songs. When the day off is finally granted, various morning activities are arranged on campus, lunch is served on Carnegie Lawn, and the remainder of the day is spent enjoying the weather, games, and outdoor events, including the “Ya Gotta Regatta” race where Dr. Meier and students race across The Puddle in rafts.

So far, Dr. and Mrs. Meier have been entertained by a wide range of creative songs, costumes, and dances from clubs, team, floors, and class years. For every additional night of singing and as the days become increasingly colder, students, faculty, and administration are all growing evermore anxious for a Mountain Day. When will it be? Your guess is as good as ours.

The fall is also one of the busiest times here in Admissions. Our counselors are on the road attending fairs, making high school visits, and hosting a slew of Open Houses on campus. With the grand opening of Meier Hall next fall, Elmira College and the Admissions staff is looking to increase enrollment for the 2010-2011 academic year. If all goes well, the Class of 2014 will be the largest freshman class ever admitted to Elmira College. Keep your fingers crossed!

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