Stevens News / Campus & Community

A Look at 10 Treasured Stevens Traditions

With 153 years under its belt, Stevens Institute of Technology has had its fair share of traditions. While many have gone the way of Jacobus — like Cage Ball and the Cremation of Calculus — these traditions are alive, well and bring the community together year after year.

  • The Duck Dance

All Stevens students learn – or attempt to learn – how to shake their tailfeather at orientation and carry the tradition on through their time on campus. The quirky and fun Duck Dance is traditionally performed at athletic events and other festivities to inspire Stevens pride and unity.

  • The First-Year Wittpenn Walk

At the beginning of each Fall semester, the new cohort of first-year students take a legendary jaunt along Wittpenn Walk, surrounded by upperclassmen students, faculty, staff and administration, cheering them along, welcoming them to Stevens and celebrating the beginning of their collegiate career.

  • The Senior Wittpenn Walk

As seniors, students once again stroll along Wittpenn Walk before graduation in May, to attend the Senior Sunset Toast on the Babbio Patio, marking the end of their undergraduate careers at Stevens.

  • Quack or Treat

Stevens gets spooky! This day-long Halloween event fills campus with happy haunts. Community members dress in their best costumes, and students collect sweet treats from dozens of campus locations throughout their day.

  • Winter Wonderland

Students spread holiday cheer throughout campus with more than 160,000 sparkling lights and hot chocolate, holiday desserts, giveaways and live music.

  • Founder's Day Ball

What better way to commemorate the anniversary of Stevens' founding on February 15, 1870, than by dancing the night away at the Founder's Day Ball? A student-only semiformal brings together classmates and friends to celebrate the history of Stevens and the university's future.

  • Duck Days

Held in the early part of the Spring semester, this week-long celebration of Stevens pride includes events like a scavenger hunt, talent shows, ice skating and more!

  • TechFest

TechFest is a free, all-day event filled with food trucks, giveaways, carnival games and other entertainment across campus lawns. The festival also features a concert, with student performances leading up to a major artist headliner.

  • LeadHERship Conference

The annual LeadHERship Conference promotes and amplifies the voices of women in STEM by bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences for a day of motivation, networking, skill-building and professional development.

  • Unity Showcase and Carnival

At the Unity Showcase and Carnival, Stevens' cultural organizations participate in dances, skits, musical performances and more to highlight, celebrate and educate the Stevens community on their rich diversity and culture.

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