Remember to Celebrate!
Ceremony is often said to be how we remember to remember. Ceremony also reminds us of our responsibilities to creation. When you have ceremonies of gratitude, you understand how much the world gives to you, and you remember your dependency. Through the ceremony itself — the food, the regalia, the time spent in preparation — you are giving back. You’re putting energy back into both the material and the spiritual world. The two are inseparable. Ceremonies are as much about reciprocity as they are about gratitude.
– Robin Wall Kimmerer
April is here and with it an abundance of ceremonies. Just this past week the campus was literally “abuzz” with the rituals of the season. Whether explaining scholarly research at poster presentations in the ballroom or speaking in front of crowds at various venues throughout campus, students displayed both a grasp of material from their discipline as well as a passion for their particular interests. Once again the Student Scholar Showcase reminded us of the importance of a liberal arts education. Meanwhile, on the dell and in Drysdale the Office of Advancement provided motivation and encouragement for Hornets past and present to give back financially to the institution that they love. The Day of Giving promotion set a goal for 1,000 donors in 24 hours. By the end of the night, with John and AJ Eccles literally climbing tall trees, over 1,500 individuals had given.
The chapel has also been busy as the site of several honor and leadership society inductions this past week, and Friday night saw the dining hall filled to capacity as every department honored their best and brightest at the annual Academic Awards banquet. Outside of Drysdale on Tuesday the Office of Community Involvement offered free ice-cream sundaes and green ribbons to honor volunteerism on campus and in the community. Later that evening Alpha Sigma Alpha sponsored another successful Ms. LC pageant which was not only incredibly entertaining but which also raised over $400 for philanthropic causes such as Special Olympics.
These are but a few of the many examples of ceremony and ritual taking place this season of the academic year. Some might contend that we have too much to do and we simply don’t have time to schedule in such ceremonies. However I would argue that such rituals are absolutely necessary in order for us to pause long enough to reflect on the very reason that we exist as an institution. Honor and leadership awards serve as recognition that hard work, discipline, and dedication are worthy of being acknowledged. Banquets and receptions bring people together to remind us that we work best in community and that relationships formed are as important as goals accomplished. Recitals and performances, athletic games and matches, allow us the opportunity to be the best that we can be and to offer our talents for the enjoyment and appreciation of others.
If you haven’t yet participated in one of the many spring ceremonies and rituals I encourage you to do so in the few weeks that remain. Gather for a few moments at noon on Friday at Friendship Circle to remember the shooting victims at Virginia Tech and pray for peace. Come to Special Olympics on Saturday and cheer the athletes who inspire and amaze. Join pet lovers at Doggies in the Dell on Wednesday afternoon and give thanks for four legged creatures who brighten our lives. Acknowledge service at the Leadership Awards celebration next Thursday night and thank John and AJ Eccles the following Saturday for all they’ve given our community.
This time of year especially, the words of Dag Hammarskjöld ring true: “For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes.” Let’s celebrate!!
Peace, Anne