‘Dinking’ ceremony kicks off college experience for Hood freshmen

Hood College, a private liberal arts college in Frederick, Maryland, welcomed its incoming class of 2026 with a traditional ‘dinking’ ceremony. The ceremony, which took place on Sunday, August 20th, is a long-standing tradition at Hood College and marks the beginning of the college experience for freshmen.

During the ceremony, freshmen were given a small, purple beanie known as a ‘dink’ to wear throughout their first year at the college. The dink represents their status as freshmen and serves as a symbol of their connection to the college community.

The ceremony also included a procession led by Hood College President Andrea Chapdelaine and the college mace carried by Drew Ferrier, Ph.D. The procession was followed by speeches from college officials, welcoming the freshmen to the college and encouraging them to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead.

The ‘dinking’ ceremony is just one of the many traditions at Hood College that make the college experience unique. Other traditions include the Hood Hello, a custom of greeting people you pass on campus, and the annual Mountain Fest, a celebration of the college’s location in the Appalachian Mountains.

The college experience can be both exciting and challenging, and Hood College is committed to providing its students with the support and resources they need to succeed. The college offers a range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services to help students achieve their goals.

As the new academic year begins, Hood College is excited to welcome its incoming class of 2026 and looks forward to helping them make the most of their college experience.

Conclusion

Hood College’s traditional ‘dinking’ ceremony kicked off the college experience for its incoming class of 2026. The ceremony is just one of the many traditions at Hood College that make the college experience unique. As the new academic year begins, Hood College is committed to providing its students with the support and resources they need to succeed. The college looks forward to helping its students make the most of their college experience.