Annual Events

  • Matriculation
    At the end of their first day on campus, first-year students gather for the Matriculation Ceremony to mark their official welcome to the Bucknell community.
  • Candlelighting
    The night before classes start, the campus community gathers in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts to mark the beginning of the academic year. The evening provides a context for the intellectual challenges that students will face over the course of the year.
  • Homecoming
    Each fall, Bucknell invites all alumni back to campus to gather with current students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the past, present, and future of Bucknell. The weekend is replete with academic, social, and athletic events.
  • First Night
    First Night is held each January as a celebration for each first-year class to mark the successful completion of their first semester and the beginning of their life-long journey as Bucknellians.
  • Ring Ceremony
    Juniors are invited to purchase a Bucknell ring. In 2003, the university adopted a single ring design for all students and alumni. The ring is given to students as part of a ceremony hosted by the university president.
  • Chrysalis
    Since 1999, students, faculty, and staff have been gathering annually for the Chrysalis Ball. This is an all-campus event that brings the entire community together for an evening of celebration.
  • Commencement
    The night before commencement, graduates gather on the Academic Quad for the candle-lighting ceremony similar to the one in which they participated as first-year students.
  • Reunion
    In late May or early June Bucknell invites alumni to return to campus to rekindle their relationship with their alma mater