F&M Campus Traditions
Uniquely F&M
When you arrive at Franklin & Marshall, you become part of a community that stretches back generations—and continues to evolve and grow with each new cohort of students. Our campus traditions are grounded in F&M’s rich history as one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States and shaped, reinvented, and added to by the new perspectives and innovative ideas of our current students. Learn more about some of the beloved traditions that make the F&M experience distinctive.
Convocation
Convocation is a College tradition that brings the entire F&M community together to celebrate the incoming class and transfer students and kick off the opening of the academic year.
True Blue Weekend
True Blue Weekend is F&M's annual Homecoming and Family Weekend and the largest annual event on campus, drawing thousands of alumni, family and friends to campus for three days of celebrating all things F&M.
Win the Wagon
The Diplomats take the field against the Dickinson Red Devils in the annual "Battle for the Conestoga Wagon." Since 1963, the teams have battled for the Conestoga Wagon Trophy. The wagon is a miniature replica of the wagon used to transport the players between the two schools when they first played in 1889.
FlapJack Fest
A study break during finals week with free pancakes, eggs, tots, and more! F&M faculty and professional staff serve the meal in the Dining Hall. It's sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs, Sodexo, and the Office of Student Engagement.
Spring Arts
This event takes place during the spring semester and provides students an opportunity to get away from their classwork and have fun, eat food, and listen to music!
Lux et Lex Walk
The College’s motto, Lux et Lex – Light and Law – is inscribed on the metal arch spanning Klauder-Apple Walkway on campus. New students who arrive at F&M ceremoniously walk beneath the archway’s golden letters signifying the start to their F&M journey. Four years later before Commencement, they bookend their time at F&M by passing under the arch in the opposite direction.
Senior Bonfire
This annual bonfire is open to the senior class and is hosted by the Senior Class Cabinet. The evening features s’mores, music, games and much more. Seniors get to bond together and receive a farewell gift from their soon-to-be alma mater.