A warm humid breeze swayed the Spanish moss on the Mighty Southern Oak Trees surrounding the historic outside courtyard of the oldest college in South Carolina. It put us in a dreamy state of mind coming from the cool air of Upstate New York, as we waited for my niece’s graduation ceremony to begin. The atmosphere was so inviting, we could have sat there for hours.
Before sitting down, we toured the College of Charleston campus, the quaintest campus, I’ve ever seen with colored historic houses as academic buildings, wrought iron fences, and brick walkways, all framed by gorgeous oak trees and hanging Spanish Moss. One felt like they were back in time before the Industrial Revolution when quaintness was the norm.
As Pomp and Circumstance began playing and students dressed in all white attire, a tradition for every graduation class dating back in time, marched on the stage either carrying a red rose or with a red rose pinned to their white jacket, time stood still again in this visual display. The uniformity was stunning and unexpected, which made it that much more distinct.
The college president adored by the students approached the stage and in a jubilant voice and smile, welcomed this class who began their studies there amid Covid-19 where they had to figure out a new way to study in college while being separated. This class didn’t have a traditional high school graduation because of the pandemic, so this event was even more extraordinary, he announced, as they cheered and parents nodded their heads.
At the end of the ceremony, the class was told to turn their rings with the logos facing in towards them, the other way around, to signify their outward journey now, another sweet tradition that ended the event. Amazing, I thought, as I caught a glimpse of my niece with her 3.99 GPA beaming at her success turning her ring.
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom is to remind you that tradition is an important element of any institution, organization, or business that has been in existence. Have you thought about what traditions you have instituted in your company or non-profit? Is it an event, marketing brand, company philosophy, attitude, or other element that you have or share? Are you known for something? What do customers or staff say about the traditions you have implemented? If you don’t feel you have anything, should you start creating some or look back at your history and make it more apparent?
Lexie Page DelViscio – Graduate, College of Charleston
I’ll never forget sitting under those gorgeous trees, watching those white-clad students rejoicing in their success, institution, and education, as I remember to add tradition into all things I do. I hope you follow suit so others speak about what they experienced with you.
Women TIES 