 For the first two decades of Macalester's history, students played a game called Pushball. It was played with a ball measuring six feet in diameter. The tradition ended when the ball burst. But, in 1908 seniors began a new tradition by rolling a 700-pound stone.
 The stone was placed underneath one of the elm trees near Old Main. Since then it has been moved several times ... once by students of a rival college who mailed it back C.O.D. In spring 2007, students started the tradition again with a new inflatable ball.
International students have studied at Macalester since
before World War I. The national flags of current students
usher in all major gatherings.
 The
United Nations flag has flown at Macalester since 1950
and is a symbol of commitment a global education in an
international community. |
Every year...
Bagpipes and Flags. At campus-wide
events the Macalester bagpipe band leads a procession of students
carrying the flags of the countries represented on campus.
Peace prayer. At the end of formal gatherings,
the prayer is read by four students, each in the language
of his/her home country.
"As we depart along our separate
roads, may we be nourished by our years of friendship and
learning at Macalester. And may we draw upon them to create
in each of our homelands a more just and peaceful world."
Midnight Breakfast. Each semester faculty and staff serve breakfast at midnight during the week of final exams.
Music Extravaganza. Two nights of foot tapping
and dancing in the aisles define this event each semester:
Pipe Band, Jazz Combos, Jazz Big Band, Flying Fingers, Scotch
Tape, Sirens, Traditions, Voices of Tamani, Symphony Orchestra,
Wind Ensemble, Choir of Women, Men's Chorus, Choir, and African
Music Ensemble.
International Roundtable. An intellectual
festival convened each October for serious conversations across
the college on topics of transnational significance.
The 2007 theme is "Music of the World."
The Mock Weekly. A biannual satirical issue of the Macalester student-run newspaper The Mac Weekly
Founders Day. An annual formal event that includes
live music in celebration of Macalester's founders.
Diversity Weekend. This annual event explores
issues of race through a weekend conference and includes a
variety of speakers, events and social gatherings.
Springfest. Each year in April, students
put the books and beakers away to spend a Saturday listening
to local bands and enjoying a day-long carnival, topped off
with an all-campus dance.
Candlelight Service. Every year, Macalester
community members are invited to attend the annual evening
Christmas Candlelight Service. This service includes readings,
carols and seasonal music. Holiday refreshments round out
the service.
Sophomore Fiesta. The Sophomore Fiesta welcomes
sophomores back to campus by gathering them together at the
beginning of the academic year. The fiesta also highlights
a part of the Twin Cities community that students might wish
to explore, encouraging sophomores to take advantage of the
rich opportunities available for entertainment and community
involvement.
International Kidsfest. Macalester students
set up a virtual World that children from the community can
explore, including games, music, food, craft-making, or dancing
from around the world. Children are paired with a college
buddy to enhance the fun.
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