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One of the longest and most beloved traditions at ���Ĺ���, Candle and Rose was held for the very first time in 1928. The ceremony symbolizes the light of truth (the candle), carried by the graduating senior, and love (the rose) presented by their selected partner—a best friend, a mentor, a supportive family member.

“It’s a true mission moment,” said Lupe Tiscareño ’18, ’22, coordinator of the Candle and Rose organizing committee.

The procession from the upper cloister walk to the Quad, the flickering of candles in the twilight, and the symbolic exchange of Caritas et Veritas is the heart of the tradition, staying with graduates long after they leave campus.

“At ���Ĺ���, we embrace accompaniment,” said Dr. Mark Carbonara ’07, who serves on the Candle and Rose committee. “We don’t complete college on our own. Candle and Rose is a way to honor and thank at least one person who is instrumental in the journey.”

As a small, tight-knit university, ������ celebrates class reunions to the fullest.

Throughout its history, alumnae/i from classes large and small have gathered—in many iterations—to commemorate milestone anniversaries, reconnect with classmates and reflect on the Caritas of community.

Today, Reunion encourages alumnae/i to “come home” for special class anniversaries marked by luncheons, private receptions with the president and a return of Casino Night, another student tradition for more than 20 years.

Jean Rasmussen ’70 helped organize the 55th reunion for her class in 2025. Deeply nostalgic, she has been involved in past Reunions as well.

“I want to help us rediscover each other and animate some wonderful memories,” she said. “When I’m on campus, I am at peace there. I’m swept away in wonderful memories of people, my extraordinary classmates, my gifted professors and the classroom experiences they gave me.”

The vision of Sr. Diane Kennedy, OP, the first Caritas Veritas Symposium was held in 2010 as a day for reflection, community, contemplation and inquiry. Through a series of mission integrated sessions that inform and inspire, the day has become a much anticipated fall event for students, faculty and staff alike. This year’s symposium touched on theology, creative expression, culturally responsive education, climate leadership, innovation and much more.

On this day, “all of us are one community,” said Dr. Rachel Hart Winter, director of St. Catherine of Siena Center and a Caritas Veritas Symposium organizer.

“It is a day where love and truth are embedded in our collaboration, our shared knowledge, our moments of prayer and our affirmation of the mission and charism of the ���Ĺ��� Sinsinawa Sisters,” she noted.

It has taken on different names since its inception in 2009, but the (SI) Scholarship and Ideas Expo, as it is now known, has become an annual tradition of showcasing and celebrating student achievement.

Created by Dr. Rebecca Pliske, professor emerita of psychology, and led by Dr. Irina

Calin-Jageman, professor of biological sciences, this day-long, spring event invites

students to share their research and outcomes from course projects and internships across disciplines. They do so through poster presentations, panel discussions and small group talks.

“It really is a celebratory event,” Calin-Jageman said. “It’s exciting for students to talk about their work and see it to fruition in this nice way.”

A day commemorating the birth of Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli on Nov. 4, 1806, Founder’s Day also honors Fr. Samuel’s legacy and the ���Ĺ��� Sisters of Sinsinawa who carry that legacy forward. Whether it was a special Mass, lectures or birthday cupcakes in the Social Hall, celebrating this day (or week, as it later became) is a long tradition at ���Ĺ���. In 1935, Rosary College celebrated the 100th anniversary of Fr. Samuel’s arrival to the Illinois-Wisconsin-Iowa area in a big way, even inviting the governors of the three states to take part.

Since 2007, Founders’ Court outside Parmer Hall has stood as a tribute to Fr. Samuel and the Sisters—a reminder that DU’s connection to its founders is not confined to a single event on a calendar.

The annual Benefit Gala for Scholarships was formally launched in 1981 by Sr. Candida Lund, OP ’42, in her role as chancellor of Rosary College. In the 45 years since that first benefit, millions of dollars have been raised for scholarships benefiting thousands of students.

Associated with commencement, College Day recognized the year’s graduating class with varied events through the years, including a Mass, luncheon, presentations and outdoor activities—even horse rides and archery and fencing competitions.