Enduring Traditions: Celebrating Graduation at the University of Virginia
The University of Virginia (UVA) is steeped in tradition, and its graduation ceremonies, known as Final Exercises, are no exception. These time-honored customs create a memorable and meaningful experience for graduates, their families, and the entire university community. From unique displays of individuality to acts of community service, UVA's graduation traditions reflect the institution's values and spirit.
A Sea of Balloons: Personal Expression on the Lawn
One of the most visually striking and heartwarming traditions at UVA graduation is the sea of balloons that fills the Lawn. Every year at graduation, the Lawn is filled with all kinds of balloons that vary from animals to food to other sentimental characters. Families watch proudly as their graduates prepare to cross the Rotunda in their caps and gowns, each holding a unique balloon so they can be spotted easily from far away. This tradition allows graduates to express their personalities and interests, adding a touch of whimsy and individuality to the formal ceremony.
Graduating students choose balloons that reflect their passions and experiences. One fourth year plans to carry a strawberry balloon, saying, “I love strawberries, and they make me really happy!” Another will bring both a birdhouse and a burger balloon-“Birdhouse because I live in Birdhaus, my sorority satellite with the best girls ever, and a burger because I love burgers,” she shared. For many, it’s a meaningful way to bring something personal to graduation day, highlighting their individuality amid a ceremony shared by thousands.
The Balloon Brigade: Giving Back to the Community
Six years ago, UVA started a new tradition called the Balloon Brigade, which gives students a chance to give back to the community. After graduation, students donate their balloons to the local children’s hospital. The Balloon Brigade reveals how much UVA cares about both its students and the local community. It’s a fun and creative way for students to show who they are while also reminding everyone of the importance of kindness and giving back. This initiative allows graduates to share their joy and celebration with children in need, creating a positive impact beyond the university grounds.
Enduring Customs: Alumni Perspectives
UVA's graduation traditions have evolved over time, with some customs fading while others have remained steadfast. The most-mentioned custom, coming from alumni spanning the 1960s to the 2000s, was wearing coats and ties-both to classes and sporting events. Laura Terry (Col class of ’06) wrote: “We used to get dressed up for football games, although this tradition was phasing out while I was there. These traditions reflect the changing social norms and student culture.
Read also: University of Georgia Sorority Guide
Lighting of the Lawn: A Symbol of Unity and Resilience
Many alumni also mentioned the Lighting of the Lawn, a yearly occurrence since 2001 to foster a spirit of unity and resilience. “I loved LOTL because it was such a nice way for the university community to come together right before finals,” wrote Lauren Bryant (Col class of ’15). “I loved bringing hot chocolate and getting all bundled up to hear the a capella groups sing. The lights on the Rotunda and the Lawn seemed to get more sophisticated and intricate every year. This relatively new tradition has quickly become a beloved part of the UVA experience, symbolizing the community's strength and togetherness.
The List: Experiencing Charlottesville
“The list of 114 things to do before graduation! This became such a source of joy, especially my fourth year, to do more around Charlottesville and make memories with friends. I tried more and explored more than I would have otherwise. For example, going to my first vineyard with my sister at Pippin Hill-which I named my dog after five years later! My best friend would call me almost every weekend and ask what endeavor we’d check off the list. This tradition encourages students to explore the surrounding area and create lasting memories with friends.
Other cherished memories
“For several years, our group of friends would dress up for Halloween and make our way to TJ’s, a popular bar on the Corner, for their annual Halloween costume contest. One year we were a box of crayons and another year we went as a portable bar, complete with all the fixings for a Seven and Seven! We would spend weeks on the planning and execution of our group entry for the contest. This picture is from 1983 at our apartment on Brandon Avenue.
“I loved the dorm sing cabaret we were treated to in our first week. I had never really seen top-tier a cappella and was blown away by the talent!
“Receiving a nickel at the first-year welcome ceremony on the Lawn. I’m tempted to say Easters Weekend but instead will mention the sidewalk vents from the steam tunnels. On cold rainy evenings, my college sweetheart (now my husband of 50 years) and I would take walks and would stand under his black umbrella over those warm, cozy vents.
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“I valued the community of trust fostered by the Honor Code. During my second year I left a brand-new trench coat in Cabell Hall. A week later I went back to get it.
“Hauntings on the Hill at Brown College! I was always so involved. I was one of the three co-chairs in 1997.
“First year, during fall semester exams, I went to a showing of It’s a Wonderful Life. It was the first time I’d heard of it or seen it. The audience participation-boos when Mr. Potter first appears, cheers for George Bailey-made it such a memorable experience. To this day, I watch it every year at Christmas, and my grown children are sick of me telling them how I first watched it at UVA during exams.
Historical Context: Final Exercises Through the Years
The University of Virginia's Final Exercises have a rich history, with traditions evolving over time. After the 1910 commencement exercises in Old Cabell Hall, graduates and guests gathered to witness the dedication and unveiling of a statue of Thomas Jefferson by the artist Moses Ezekiel. The statue was installed in the landscaped plaza on the north side of the Rotunda. These historical moments connect current graduates to the university's legacy.
Historical photos and accounts offer glimpses into past graduation ceremonies, including:
Read also: Legacy of Fordham University
- McIntire Amphitheatre during graduation and Final Exercises, with Cocke Hall in background.
- School of Nursing graduation and Final Exercises in Old Cabell Hall.
- Graduation barbecue during Finals weekend. From excerpt on photo: “The barbecue of the graduating class of 1948-a traditional feature of the Final Celebration, as the June commencement period is called. Lamb and pork is barbecued all night over the pit in the right background. From excerpt on back: “One of the traditional events at graduation is an old-fashioned Southern barbecue for members of the graduating class and their girls. This is held on a barbecue grounds, used only for this purpose. UVA may be the only university with its own barbecue grounds. In the background, left, is the barbecue pit where whole lambs and young pigs are barbecued all night long before the feast.
- Spectators-and the media-on the Lawn for graduation.
- Catherine Russell (Grad class of ’51) processes onto Lawn with classmates for the graduation ceremony. She received her Ph.D.
- Walter Ridley (Educ class of ’53) was the first African American to graduate from UVA.
- In 1958, 813 graduates received degrees. Finals speaker Francis Pendleton Gaines, president of Washington and Lee University, told the crowd, “America is in a sense of shock. It is because we have lost something we took for granted, something of utmost importance.
- Viscount Kilmuir, Lord Chancellor of Great Britain, speaks at Finals to the candidates for degrees. In his speech, the Lord Chancellor said, “You carry with you my warmest wishes not only for your success but that all who meet you will recognize you as worthy of the great University from which you graduated.
- Female graduate receives her diploma from Dr. William F.
- Former first lady Lady Bird Johnson gave the commencement speech in 1973, telling the crowd of 15,000, “Don’t despair of America.” Johnson also presented diplomas to Law School graduates (including to her son-in-law, Charles S.
- Finals were held outdoors for the first time in three years in 1977.
- Scenes from Final Exercises, 1978.
- George H. W. Vice President George H. W.
- Three generations of alumni after the Finals ceremony: Benjamin K. Symmers Jr. (Engr class of ’84) with (left) Benjamin K. Symmers Sr. (Col class of ’63) and William G.
- At the end of the valediction ceremony, Sen. John Warner (Law class of ’53)and class president Glenn P. Williamson (Col class of ’85) (far left) pass the mint julep-filled loving cup to class fundraising chairman Joseph A. Ruzecki (Col class of ’85).
- The Rev.
- Some graduates from the Class of 2000 supported the Living Wage Campaign, pushing for UVA workers to receive $8 per hour.
- Several deans walk the Lawn, including, starting second from left, Robert M. Carey, dean of the School of Medicine; John C.
- Katie Couric (Col class of ’79) was the commencement speaker in 2012. She joked that it took 33 years for UVA to invite her to speak at Final Exercises.
- Workers set up chairs for Final Exercises.
- President Teresa Sullivan high-fives graduates during Final Exercises.
- Dean of Students Allen Groves gives graduates high fives in 2014.
A Day of Recognition: "The Honors of Honor"
This weekend, more than 6,500 students will wear “the honors of Honor” and graduate from the University of Virginia. The phrase "the honors of Honor" encapsulates the significance of the graduation ceremony, recognizing the hard work, dedication, and commitment to the university's values that each graduate embodies.
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