A Note on Traditions After 1968

The Simmons News reports on the relaxation of curfews in December, 1967

Prior to 1968, Simmons dormitories had strict rules and curfews which restricted students’ social opportunities off-campus. The celebration of Simmons traditions, therefore, provided students with events to attend throughout the year, a way to develop social relationships within and between classes, and an opportunity to pursue their interests. In 1968, dorm rules were relaxed and students were able to venture off-campus more freely in pursuit of their interests and social lives.

Of the 11 Simmons traditions described in this exhibit, only 5 were celebrated after 1968—Track Day, Convocation, May Day, the Olde English Dinner, and Father-Daughter Weekend. The Olde English Dinner was discontinued the following year in 1969, so only 4 of these selected traditions have been celebrated in the last 50 years.

With opportunities and interests taking students’ social lives off-campus, the need for traditions diminished, but that is not to say they disappeared completely. New traditions arose after 1968, and evolved versions of some traditions described above are still celebrated to this day. While not as frequent throughout the academic year, traditions continue to play an active and important role in the calendar of events at Simmons University.