Cap and Gown Weekend
Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2, 2005
 Cap
and Gown is one of Trinity’s most cherished traditions, more
than 100 years old, one of the most memorable moments in the lives
of our seniors. On Cap and Gown Weekend, members of the senior class
(undergraduate students who have achieved senior status by earning
92 credits or more) receive their academic regalia -- caps, gowns,
and the highly traditional stock. According to the traditions at
Trinity, once seniors receive their regalia, they have the privilege
of wearing their caps and gowns to class and at all official functions
throughout the year. Also on Cap and Gown Weekend, the First Year
Class (Blue Class of 2009!) receive their new class banner as part
of the Courtyard Sing tradition.
The entire university community is welcome to share these traditions
with our senior class and their families. All students are encouraged
to come out in force to support our seniors!
Schedule of Events
Saturday, October 1: Cap and Gown Convocation, 5:00 pm,
Trinity Center for Women and Girls in Sports
A Convocation is an academic ceremony, during which the faculty
wear their colorful academic regalia and various individuals receive
honors. The Cap and Gown Convocation is very special, because it
is the first time that the seniors may wear their academic regalia.
During the ceremony, there will be a special moment when the seniors,
already wearing their robes and stocks, put on their mortarboards.
It’s a great Kodak moment, full of meaning and symbolism,
and a time for much cheering as Trinity celebrates the achievement
of these students who have worked so hard to become seniors.
At the Convocation, Trinity will honor Artis Hampshire-Cowan,
Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary at Howard University.
Ms. Hampshire-Cowan is a great friend of Trinity, and her distinguished
career as a lawyer and civic leader gives her a wonderful background
from which to speak to the seniors. A graduate of Morris Brown College
and Temple University School of Law, Ms. Hampshire-Cowan worked
as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia before coming
to Washington to serve in several key legal capacities with the
Mayor’s Office and city government. She is on numerous boards,
including Venture Philanthropy Partners, the D.C. Chamber of Commerce,
Leadership Washington, the Prince Georges Community Foundation,
and the Girl Scouts. She is a Commissioner of the Washington Suburban
Sanitary Commission. She is a member of the Links, Inc., Delta Sigma
Theta, the Women’s Forum, and numerous other organizations.
In her distinguished career at Howard, she has overseen all Human
Resource Management for the University, and now she handles all
Board matters and many official functions. A native of Mobile, Alabama,
she lives in Maryland with her husband Earnest and two children.
The President’s Reception follows the Convocation, and will
also be held at the Trinity Center.
Sunday, October 2: Cap and Gown Mass, 10:00 am, Notre Dame
Chapel, Followed by Brunch in Alumnae Hall and Courtyard Sing
(Reservations required for brunch; look for directions from Dean
of Students Michele Bowie)
Starting at 10 am (seniors will robe an hour earlier, look for
Dean Bowie’s directions), the academic procession will depart
from Main Hall to Notre Dame Chapel, where we will gather with our
seniors and their families for Mass.
As the seniors leave Mass, underclass students will greet them
with balloons and flowers in their class colors.
Following Mass, everyone proceeds to Alumnae Dining hall for a
festive brunch.
Immediately following brunch, the seniors gather
in Seymour Court for the Courtyard Sing. The classes celebrate with
songs written for the occasion, and a few traditional Trinity songs.
During this part of the festivities, the first year students receive
their class banner to much applause.
Traditions make Trinity a very special place. Please join the Trinity
community in the celebration of Cap and Gown Weekend!
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