Fun Traditions

Opening convocation and signing the President's Book: The freshman class is welcomed to St. Mary's in a convocation ceremony held in the reconstructed State House of 1634 on Historic St. Mary's City's grounds. At the end of the ceremony, each student signs his or her name in the President's book.

Christmas in April auction: This annual fund-raiser for Christmas in April building day includes hilarious auction items like singing telegrams from the SMC Men's a capella group and a dinner for students cooked by the Admissions staff.

Homecoming/Family Weekend: Alums come back to campus for the Great Cardboard Boat Race every fall. They compete against current students, faculty, and staff to build the most sea-worthy cardboard boat using nothing but cardboard, duct tape, wood, and plastic!

Pondings: Be ready for a dip in St. John's Pond on your birthday. It's a campus tradition to be tossed in on your special day!

World Carnival: Celebrate the diverse cultures, food, and music of the world at this spring festival run entirely by students.

The Black Student Union (BSU) Fashion Show: The best-dressed list begins here for a night of fun and fashion provided by the BSU.

Senior Gala: The capstone event of Senior Week is the gala. It may be the only time you actually get dressed up as a student at St. Mary's. Dinner, drinks, and dancing, usually held outdoors at neighboring Brome-Howard Inn.

Oyster Festival: The oyster-shucking contest at this annual festival is the last stop before the international championships of oyster shucking!

St. Mary's County Fair: A true hometown county fair, complete with 4-H events, prize-winning animals, food, arts and crafts, and a carnival too.

Point Lookout Ghost Tour: Twelve miles south of the College, Point Lookout State Park includes the remains of a Civil War prison for Confederate soldiers, many of whom died of malaria waiting for the War to end. A tour of their ghostly remains is held on Halloween.

Concerts at Calvert Marine Museum: Big names perform at this outdoor venue, right across the bridge in Calvert County: Bob Dylan, The Allman Brothers, Travis Tritt, Martina McBride, Eddie from Ohio.