Commencement is a time of long-held traditions: academic gowns, speeches, diplomas, processions, banners…in short, all the expected pomp and circumstance. University Archives however, is happy to recognize some of the less discussed rituals  of commencement at Washington University.

Photo above: undated, from the late 1910s-early 1920s when tents were erected on the Quad.

Thanks to Miranda Rectenwald at WashU Archives for sharing these photos with the Olin Blog!

Comfortable shoes are a must….sandals in 1966

If your shoes are uncomfortable, you may end up barefoot like these women in 1964

Creative cap decorations are nothing new….this photo is from 1983

….and in 1987

Mom snapping the perfect photo, 1955

1964