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/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.