Traditions of UAlbany

Candlelighting

All new students are encouraged to attend this ceremony officially welcoming them into the University community. The current program for the Welcome Candlelighting Ceremony began on August 30, 1997, though Opening Convocation has been a tradition at UAlbany. This ritual symbolizes the beginning of an incoming student’s collegiate career. The program includes the ceremonial lighting of the University flame of knowledge, as well as a fabulous fireworks display that follows.

Torch Night:

Torch Night originated as the Torch Light Ceremony and Procession dating back to 1930. Records from this era suggest that, “The torch light procession lead to the administration [Draper Hall] steps where seniors handed down to juniors “the light of intelligence” and received from Miss Keating [Alumni Association President] the candle inducting them into the alumni association. The ceremony was intended to signal the accession of Seniors into the Alumni Association.”

The modern day Torch Night is a UAlbany ritual featuring a dramatic candle lighting ceremony, offering a time for graduates to reflect upon their experience at the University. Another important aspect of the ceremony is the welcoming of graduates into the alumni community, passing the senior torch down to the junior class. The modern day ritual also includes remarks from graduating seniors, a screening of the popular Senior Video, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display. All graduating seniors, juniors, family and friends are invited to attend. The ceremony is held on the Academic Podium.