When the Class of 2012 first arrived at Elon University, they gathered for the first time as a class Under the Oaks for the annual New Student Convocation. Presiding over the ceremony was President Leo Lambert, who assured the audience they would reconvene four years later in the same spot, under the shade of West Area’s aging oak trees. The occasion, he promised, would be a celebration of the class’ graduation from Elon.
The Class of 2012’s departure from Elon has finally arrived. As tradition dictates, on May 19, Elon will host its 122nd Commencement Exercises Under the Oaks to mark the achievements of the Class of 2012.
Among the many long standing traditions held during commencement exercises, Elon’s tradition of celebrating graduation Under the Oaks is one that can be traced back decades in Elon’s history. Elon is a Hebrew word that translates to “oak.”
President Emeritus Earl Danieley said the practice of holding commencement Under the Oaks actually dates back as far as 1923.
“The first commencement Under the Oaks was held in May of 1923,” Danieley said. “The old administration building had just burned down in January, so it had to be held outside by necessity."
Danieley recalls renting an electronic organ and placing it in Whitley Auditorium to amplify music out onto the grounds at one ceremony.
“I really enjoy it outside,” he said. “The music and sound are so clear, the crowd is so well-behaved and event is so well-orchestrated,” he said.
Former Provost Warren Board proposed the location of Elon’s commencement exercises be formally changed in 1987, insisting the symbolism of Elon students graduating under the oak trees of West Area was a fitting send off for graduates.
Danieley, who has attended more than 75 commencement exercises at Elon, said how much each graduating class means to him and how they left him with some of his fondest memories.
“Graduation day is such sweet sorrow,” he said. “You work with the students for four years and then they’re gone. Graduation every year here at Elon University has thrilled me. It makes for a happy man.”
Many of Elon’s current administrators also recognize the symbolic and reminiscent nature of holding commencement under the oaks.
Lambert acknowledged the importance of holding commencement Under the Oaks because of the location’s significance in university history.
“I like the idea of having New Student Convocation in August Under the Oaks and making a date with the class to be there again four years later,” Lambert said. “The oaks provide the perfect canopy, the setting is historic and the meaning of the oak is important to all of us at Elon.”
Smith Jackson, vice president and dean of Student Life, agreed with Lambert’s sentiments. The location of graduation serves as a thematic reminder of both how far the students have come during their Elon experience, and how the university has developed and thrived along with them, he said.
“I like the bookend symbolism between the New Student Convocation and commencement, particularly being in the traditional Under the Oaks in front of Elon’s oldest building, West Hall, within the walls of the original campus,” Jackson said.
Lambert, who is presiding over his 14th commencement exercises this year, said the Under the Oaks tradition helps graduates commemorate the day with memories of which they will look back on fondly.
“Being under the oaks is a very special experience,” Lambert said. “The pageantry, music and an atmosphere that is both formal and festive make for a memorable occasion each year.”
As the Class of 2012 prepares to walk under the shade of Elon’s oak trees one last time, it will mark the end of another successful commencement ceremony in Elon’s history.