Some Whittier traditions date back to the College's founding more than a century ago, while others are new entries in the Whittier story.
These traditions reflect both solemn rituals and the lighter side of college life, each connecting students with a living history, important aspects of academic and social community, and of the College's distinguished past.
The Light of Learning
The most significant of Whittier College traditions is the Light of Learning, marking both the welcoming of new students into the College and the conclusion of their time at Whittier.
The President's Convocation, held in Harris Amphitheatre on the first evening of Orientation, culminates with the igniting of candles to symbolize sharing the Light of Learning. The passing of the flames from one student to another symbolizes, in part, the sharing of knowledge that takes place during their years at Whittier.
The poignant ceremony is repeated the night before Commencement at Baccalaureate, marking the successful completion of a course of study.
The Rock
In 1912, one of the campus’ most noteworthy landmarks arrived. It was the brainchild of three seniors: Frank Crites, Nofle Renneker, and Milton White.
In 1962, Crites recalled that members of the Class of 1912 wanted to leave a “most lasting gift,” so “it was decided that a rock as large as could possibly be transported would be a fixture for many years in the future.”
Thursday of graduation week, Crites and Austin Marshburn (Class of 1910), took horses and a wagon to Sierra Madre. Renneker and White rode over later on their bicycles, an 18-mile trip one way.
In a canyon at the foot of Mount Wilson trail, the four picked out a one- or two-ton granite boulder on the hillside and eased the rock down the hill and onto the wagon. Renneker and White biked home while Crites and Marshburn started ponderously down the lonely, dusty road with the huge rock in the wagon. They finally arrived at the campus with their prized rock about 2 a.m.
In an unexpected counter-prank, members of the junior class dug a hole and buried the unguarded rock, leaving only 10 inches visible above the ground.
Today, the Rock stands as a colorful symbol of the College's tight-knit community. Students regularly paint the Rock to celebrate birthdays or big campus events, share congratulations, mark milestones, express solidarity, or memorialize beloved Poets.
More recently, incoming students also sign the Rock during New Student Orientation to commemorate their arrival at Whittier.
Staff vs. Student Kickball
A more recent tradition that's emerged at Whittier is a friendly kickball competition between students and staff. For the last two years, the two teams have faced each other on the playing field, each fighting through seven innings for the trophy.
Organized by the Veteran Resource Center, the game takes place the same week as Veterans Day. In its inaugural year, the Staff vs. Student Kickball game went to the students—and in 2024, staff returned with a victory of their own. Who will break the tie in 2025?
Whittier Pets
Rusty. Pepper. Bodhi. Mimi. They’re all as much a part of our tight-knit community as any human Poet and they’ve probably accumulated as many units as any Whittier graduate, too! That’s because here at Whittier, well-behaved canine friends accompany their owners to class or to the office, participate in campus events, and stay active on our vast lawns.
At Whittier, you’re never far from some rejuvenating puppy kisses or a warm doggy hug. In fact, it has become campus tradition to cuddle with a visiting team of therapy dogs around finals week.
