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We pride ourselves on being a college that is steeped in rich history and unique customs that set us apart from others. From our legendary Mountain Day celebration to our exhilarating Lobsterfest, our traditions are as diverse as they are exciting. Experience the magic of our fun and quirky traditions, and truly become a part of the Juniata family!
Bailey Oratorical Contest
The Bailey Oratorical stands as the oldest ongoing tradition of academic excellence we have at Juniata. The original Bailey award was established in 1910 by Letitia Fisher Bailey (wife of John M.) and Thomas F. Bailey (son of John M.) Thomas F. Bailey served as president judge in Huntingdon County from 1916-1936. The contest was established in honor of the judge’s father, John M. Bailey, who had also served as president judge of Huntingdon County.
Bailey Oratorical Contest
The Bailey Oratorical stands as the oldest ongoing tradition of academic excellence we have at Juniata. The original Bailey award was established in 1910 by Letitia Fisher Bailey (wife of John M.) and Thomas F. Bailey (son of John M.) Thomas F. Bailey served as president judge in Huntingdon County from 1916-1936. The contest was established in honor of the judge’s father, John M. Bailey, who had also served as president judge of Huntingdon County.
Mountain Day
The spirit of adventure is alive and well at Juniata College, and nothing embodies
that more than our oldest and most exciting tradition - Mountain Day! Since the late
1800s, this exhilarating event has been bringing our community together in the great
outdoors.
Picture this: classes are canceled, and the entire campus is buzzing with excitement.
Everyone heads to Raystown Lake for a day of unforgettable memories, breathtaking
scenery, and endless fun.
But here's the catch - no one knows when Mountain Day is going to happen! Trying to
guess the date of this is a hot topic of conversation among students and faculty in
the weeks leading up to it.
Mountain Day
The spirit of adventure is alive and well at Juniata College, and nothing embodies
that more than our oldest and most exciting tradition - Mountain Day! Since the late
1800s, this exhilarating event has been bringing our community together in the great
outdoors.
Picture this: classes are canceled, and the entire campus is buzzing with excitement.
Everyone heads to Raystown Lake for a day of unforgettable memories, breathtaking
scenery, and endless fun.
But here's the catch - no one knows when Mountain Day is going to happen! Trying to
guess the date of this is a hot topic of conversation among students and faculty in
the weeks leading up to it.
Liberal Arts Symposium
The Juniata College Liberal Arts Symposium is a day-long celebration of student research and scholarship. The Liberal Arts Symposium highlights the scholarly and creative work that students do in the classroom, in the laboratory, in the field, in the community, on the stage, and in the studio. Not only do students get to showcase their excellence in their own discipline, but they can see what other departments have to offer, and what their fellow classmates have been working on during the year. The Liberal Arts Symposium is one of Juniata’s most cherished academic traditions.
Liberal Arts Symposium
The Juniata College Liberal Arts Symposium is a day-long celebration of student research and scholarship. The Liberal Arts Symposium highlights the scholarly and creative work that students do in the classroom, in the laboratory, in the field, in the community, on the stage, and in the studio. Not only do students get to showcase their excellence in their own discipline, but they can see what other departments have to offer, and what their fellow classmates have been working on during the year. The Liberal Arts Symposium is one of Juniata’s most cherished academic traditions.
Storming of the Arch
At Juniata College, the Cloister Arch stands as a formidable challenge to every new
student who enters our hallowed halls.
Storming of the Arch is an electrifying event that takes place early in the fall semester.
This optional rite of passage sees first-year students from all over campus gather
on the quad, ready to charge the Arch and make it through to the other side. But it's
not just a walk in the park, our very capable men’s and women’s rugby teams stand
in their way, serving as the "defenders" of the Arch.
Will someone make it through the gauntlet of defenders and emerge victorious? This
epic event is organized by the men's and women's rugby teams and is not to be missed!
Storming of the Arch
At Juniata College, the Cloister Arch stands as a formidable challenge to every new
student who enters our hallowed halls.
Storming of the Arch is an electrifying event that takes place early in the fall semester.
This optional rite of passage sees first-year students from all over campus gather
on the quad, ready to charge the Arch and make it through to the other side. But it's
not just a walk in the park, our very capable men’s and women’s rugby teams stand
in their way, serving as the "defenders" of the Arch.
Will someone make it through the gauntlet of defenders and emerge victorious? This
epic event is organized by the men's and women's rugby teams and is not to be missed!
Lobsterfest
Sponsored by the Office of Campus Life and Juniata Dining, Lobsterfest marks the end
of the first week of fall semester classes with a legendary picnic, featuring delicious
whole Maine lobsters as the main course, served alongside a range of delicious sides
and desserts.
But that's not all - Lobsterfest also plays host to the Student Organization Fair,
where every student organization on campus sets up displays to showcase the endless
opportunities available to new students. Whether you're interested in joining a sports
team, a cultural club, or a social group, the fair is the perfect opportunity to discover
your passions and get involved in campus life. Come and join the festivities, make
new friends, and experience the excitement of Lobsterfest!
Lobsterfest
Sponsored by the Office of Campus Life and Juniata Dining, Lobsterfest marks the end
of the first week of fall semester classes with a legendary picnic, featuring delicious
whole Maine lobsters as the main course, served alongside a range of delicious sides
and desserts.
But that's not all - Lobsterfest also plays host to the Student Organization Fair,
where every student organization on campus sets up displays to showcase the endless
opportunities available to new students. Whether you're interested in joining a sports
team, a cultural club, or a social group, the fair is the perfect opportunity to discover
your passions and get involved in campus life. Come and join the festivities, make
new friends, and experience the excitement of Lobsterfest!
Tenting
Tenting season is a thrilling and daring time at Juniata, and it’s all about getting hyped for Madrigal; our traditional christmas-themed ball and dance! Students build a tent right on the quad in November, braving the chilly weather to compete in a week-long battle of wits and skills. From intense games to epic talent shows, the tents come alive with activity throughout the nights. Witness some of the most hidden talents of Juniata members as they push themselves to the limit for the chance to earn coveted points. The more points a team earns, the better their chances are of snagging a table in the legendary “five golden rings” section at Madrigal. It's a fierce competition, but it's also a ton of fun and camaraderie among students.
Tenting
Tenting season is a thrilling and daring time at Juniata, and it’s all about getting hyped for Madrigal; our traditional christmas-themed ball and dance! Students build a tent right on the quad in November, braving the chilly weather to compete in a week-long battle of wits and skills. From intense games to epic talent shows, the tents come alive with activity throughout the nights. Witness some of the most hidden talents of Juniata members as they push themselves to the limit for the chance to earn coveted points. The more points a team earns, the better their chances are of snagging a table in the legendary “five golden rings” section at Madrigal. It's a fierce competition, but it's also a ton of fun and camaraderie among students.
Madrigal
Juniata's Madrigal Dinner is THE event of the holiday season! The air is electric as students dress in their finest attire for a night of feasting, entertainment, and merrymaking. The evening begins with a first-class meal, served by faculty and staff, fit for royalty. As the night progresses, guests are treated to spellbinding performances by talented members of the campus community, transporting everyone into a winter wonderland. The highlight of the night is the legendary sing-along, where all voices join in harmony for "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Campus is transformed into a festive world of song and dance, making it the perfect way to bid farewell to the fall semester and welcome the winter break.
Madrigal
Juniata's Madrigal Dinner is THE event of the holiday season! The air is electric as students dress in their finest attire for a night of feasting, entertainment, and merrymaking. The evening begins with a first-class meal, served by faculty and staff, fit for royalty. As the night progresses, guests are treated to spellbinding performances by talented members of the campus community, transporting everyone into a winter wonderland. The highlight of the night is the legendary sing-along, where all voices join in harmony for "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Campus is transformed into a festive world of song and dance, making it the perfect way to bid farewell to the fall semester and welcome the winter break.
MLK Day of Service
Juniata College participates in the MLK Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King
Jr. Day, with volunteers working on direct service projects in Huntingdon County region.
Past service sites and projects across Huntingdon County have included: meal prep
at the Stone Church of the Brethren to prepare for a community meal, general cleanup
and organizing at the Huntingdon Community Center, cleaning and painting at the Huntingdon
County Library, restocking, cleaning, dog walking, and cat petting at the Humane Society,
sorting and organizing at the Huntingdon Area High School, and work at the Silica
Athletic Park in Mount Union.
MLK Day of Service
Juniata College participates in the MLK Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King
Jr. Day, with volunteers working on direct service projects in Huntingdon County region.
Past service sites and projects across Huntingdon County have included: meal prep
at the Stone Church of the Brethren to prepare for a community meal, general cleanup
and organizing at the Huntingdon Community Center, cleaning and painting at the Huntingdon
County Library, restocking, cleaning, dog walking, and cat petting at the Humane Society,
sorting and organizing at the Huntingdon Area High School, and work at the Silica
Athletic Park in Mount Union.
Springfest
Get ready to shake off your stress and have a blast because Springfest is just around the corner! This highly anticipated tradition at Juniata is the perfect way to take a break from the grind of finals preparation and let loose. With a ton of exciting activities, from live music and games to delicious food trucks and refreshing snow cones, the quad will be transformed into an exhilarating festival that promises a great time for everyone. So, come out and join the festivities, and make some unforgettable memories with your friends and fellow students!
Springfest
Get ready to shake off your stress and have a blast because Springfest is just around the corner! This highly anticipated tradition at Juniata is the perfect way to take a break from the grind of finals preparation and let loose. With a ton of exciting activities, from live music and games to delicious food trucks and refreshing snow cones, the quad will be transformed into an exhilarating festival that promises a great time for everyone. So, come out and join the festivities, and make some unforgettable memories with your friends and fellow students!