HILBERT TRADITIONS

Convocation

Academic Convocation is a ceremony to welcome new freshmen to the Hilbert community. Held on the first day of classes, the ceremony introduces students to the expectations and traditions of the academic community they are joining and helps to foster a sense of belonging to the institution.

 

Welcome Week

During the first week of the academic year, Welcome Week connects new students to Hilbert by helping them discover the people, programs and possibilities offered by our campus community. Events range from a Welcome BBQ to a Beach Party with many fun and exciting events in between. Welcome Week activities provide important information and memorable opportunities for students to meet new people and immerse yourself in campus life.

 

Commuter Appreciation & Recognition

Commuter Appreciation & Recognition (CAR) Week is held in September to acknowledge the extra effort commuter students make to come to campus each day. Events are held in convenient locations for Hilbert commuters and come in a wide array such as Commuter BBQ to Door-to-Door Golf Cart Rides to make the commute from car to classroom easier.

 

Involvement & Part-Time Job Fair

The Involvement & Part-Time Job Fair is a great way to learn more about the various involvement opportunities Hilbert has to offer. Join over 25 student organizations, college departments, and community partners and visit their displays, speak with members, ask questions, and watch demonstrations. Find employment or a place to belong at this yearly event!

 

Parent & Family Weekend

Hilbert College invites parents and family members to join us for Parent and Family Weekend! This is a great opportunity for families to engage in the Hilbert experience, become a part of our community, and to support their students by participating in a variety of activities! The weekend features unique opportunities and events the whole family can enjoy together!

 

St. Francis Week Celebration

During the week of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4), there are a number of events held in honor of this great saint. Some of the activities include a Peace Walk to various points on campus, a guest Franciscan speaker, and a community service project.

 

Mocktail Party

In October, SGA sponsors the Mocktail Party as an alcohol awareness event. Held in the Campus Center, this event is a mix of games and dancing. Any non-alcoholic cocktail from the bar is marked to keep track of blood-alcohol content levels. As the night passes students learn about responsible alcohol consumption.

 

Cultural Awareness Week

In honor of Diversity Awareness Month and United Nations Day, the Office of Multicultural Affairs along with severalconstituency groups on and off campus, host a week of activities focused on cultural awareness. The purpose of this week long event is to provide faculty, staff, students, and our surrounding community an opportunity to interact with one another outside the classroom while learning more about culture and diversity. Activities include but are not limited to: film viewings, wall of peace & inclusivity, keynote speaker through the Hilbert Reads program, cultural bazaar, and a multicultural dinner.

 

Hilbert Reads

The Hilbert College Reads program is a common intellectual reading experience that engages students and creates a sense of community through cross-disciplinary conversations. Every year, the Hilbert College Reads committee selects a text and invites the author to present on campus. The event is open to the local community.

 

Children's Holiday Parties

The children’s holiday parties are one of the many ways that Hilbert gives back to the community. The Halloween, Christmas, and Easter parties are organized by the Student Government Association, with the help of the Student Activities Office and Hilbert Clubs. The events are held the Sunday before the holiday and are free to the public. It is a great way for Hilbert students to interact with the surrounding community.

 

Flip the Runway

Coordinated by students of the Common Ground Club with assistance from the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Flip the Runway is a variety show that includes all types of talented performances—singing, dancing, modeling and much more. The purpose of this event is to build community and provide students with the opportunity to use their leadership skills by coordinating several aspects of the program.

 

Live Nativity

In keeping with Hilbert’s Catholic Franciscan heritage, a Live Nativity is held each year on a Sunday in early December. Students and children of faculty and staff take the roles of Mary, Joseph, the Baby Jesus, and others in this outdoor reenactment. Live animals complete the scene.

 

MLK Franciscan Day of Caring

Students are invited to join faculty and staff at one of four locations in Buffalo to perform community service on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

 

MLK Commemorative Lecture

To celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement the Office of Multicultural Affairs and other offices host an annual lecture. It’s not just about understanding the man behind the “I Have a Dream” speech but the continuing vision that he left for the world—to fight against human injustices.

 

Winter Ball

Held in February, Winter Ball is Hilbert College’s annual semi-formal dance. Put on by SGA and held at a local banquet hall, it’s the perfect reason to dress up and dine out. Each year has a new theme and students do not want to miss out on the evening of DJs, dancing, and dessert.

 

Celebration of Teaching and Learning

The Celebration of Teaching and Learning is a daylong event showcasing the work of our outstanding undergraduate and graduate students. This event reflects the learning that takes place both inside and outside of the classroom. The celebration enables faculty to highlight their student’s outstanding scholastic achievements and present their work to the campus community.

 

SGA Awards Banquet

The SGA Awards Banquet takes place in April as an evening of dinner and celebration to honor the outstanding efforts of clubs, advisors, and individual student leaders on campus through the year.

 

Quad Party

Celebrate the end of the academic year with Hilbert College’s annual Quad Party. This carnival, held in April, includes rides, games, novelties, prizes and food. As one of Hilbert’s largest events, you don’t want to miss it!

 

Baccalaureate Mass

All members of the year’s graduating class are invited to attend a special Mass on the morning of their commencement. It is held on campus in Swan Auditorium for graduates and their families.