New tradition builds University affinity
By Michelle Hershman, L'07
Tyler Haynes Commons sports a new look this year: each undergraduate class now has its own banner hanging in the building. The banners represent a new tradition that will help students feel an affinity toward their class year.
David Johnson, vice president for advancement, had the idea to start building class identity by presenting students with their banner the day they arrive on campus.
"As alumni, Richmond graduates will experience so many changes as their personal and professional lives progress, but they will always be Richmond alumni and members of their classes. Like family, it is one of the very few lifelong associations and one that we want to nurture at every turn. Class banners are just a visible expression of the pride and loyalty that we hope all alumni feel toward their University and that the University feels as each successive class enrolls."
A member of the alumni association will present each incoming class with its banner, which will hang in the Commons for the next four years. On graduation day, students will march with their banner.
The connection will continue the year after graduation. The banner will be used at Homecoming the following year to welcome back the recent graduates. It will also be used when alumni return for their five-year reunion and for every fifth-year reunion after that.
"The idea is to encourage students to stay involved as alumni," said Kristin Woods, executive director of alumni relations. "We want them to become, and remain, engaged in the life of the University."
Although the class of 2009 will be the first class to receive its banner as freshmen, the University is beginning the tradition retroactively.
This year's graduating class of will be the first class to graduate with their banner, even though they weren't presented with it until their senior year. The University also has created banners for upcoming reunion events for all past classes, including 1926, 1931, 1936, 1941 and so on.
"The banners are an important symbol in establishing class identity. They represent a steadfast symbol of their respective class," said Mike Gray, '06. "Members of each class will be reminded of their time at the University of Richmond when they see these banners at commencement and reunion events."
Margaret Perry, president of Westhampton's Class of 2006 agrees. "As a graduating senior, I identify strongly with the year 2006. However, I believe that this sense of belonging to a large but unique group of peers must be created before senior year."
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New class banners hang in Tyler Haynes Commons |
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