Bonfire Climaxes Frosh Week Activities
(See Picture of the Month, September, 2005)

“Freshman Week, that period in the Hilltop students life when fun and grief seem to run hand in hand, begins November 21, with the Illini Club’s dance, it was announced this week. This week’s activities will climax with a huge bonfire Tuesday night, December 1, the eve of the Hilltoppers – St. Mary’s basketball game. Different days of the week will be devoted to different phases of activity in keeping with past Hilltop traditions. One day will be designated for the Freshmen to sing the Alma Mater every hour on the hour. Another day the Frosh will have to wear their clothes backward, and of course, there is the annual tug-of-war between the Freshmen and Sophmores. During the week, the Freshmen will build and guard the bonfire. During pre-game rally ceremonies the bonfire will be set ablaze, and the beanies will be cast into the fire, signifying the end of neophitism [sic].”

St. Edward’s Hilltopper
November 6, 1953

For additional information contact the St. Edward’s University Archives.

Picture of the Month Gallery