Alma Mater: “Bright College Years”
Student Speeches & Class History
In centuries past, Class Day included formal academic speeches by members of the graduating class. Today, students speak during the ceremony in two short sets of remarks about the Yale experience—one serious and one less so. Over the years, the Class History has evolved from written speeches to on-stage skits to feature films to a crowd-sourced montage of photographs and video reflections.
The Ivy Ode
The original Ivy Ode, composed in Latin Sapphic stanzas, described a symbolic connection between the growth of the ivy vine and the flourishing of the graduating class. In recent decades, the ode has been selected from a group of English-language original lyrics or spoken word poems written by seniors.
Class Ivy
The tradition of planting the Class Ivy began in 1852, when the first vine was placed near the wall of the Old Library, now Dwight Memorial Chapel. Students engraved the numerals of their class on a nearby stone. In the early years, the graduating seniors sang the Ivy Ode as each member of the class scattered a handful of earth around the roots of the planted sprig. The numbers “2020” will be engraved on Phelps Hall.
The Yale Handkerchief
Tradition prescribes that, when singing the last line of “Bright College Years,” Yale’s sons and daughters wave white handkerchiefs. Since 1984, each member of the graduating class has received a personal handkerchief from the Yale Alumni Association.
The Class Day Anthology
The anthology features quotes, writings, and designs from members of the class. Each Yale College Class of 2020 graduate will receive a special mailing including the anthology, handkerchief, a Yale College pin, and other materials. Additional traditions and keepsakes are planned for the class’s future in-person celebration.