For 120 years, generations of Assumption students have been connected through timeless traditions and special events that celebrate our community.

Assumption students talk near a stone wall on campus

Founders Week

Founders Week is an annual week-long celebration observed at the beginning of each academic year. Throughout the week, we celebrate our founders – the Augustinians of the Assumption and Emmanuel d’Alzon, A.A. – and our history with a full slate of lively special events to celebrate our Assumption pride!

Assumption students and families attend a Greyhounds football game

Family Weekend

Bring the whole family for a weekend of fun events planned by the Office of Student Engagement and the Campus Activities Board. Explore the Family Weekend Fair, taste delicious cuisine from local food trucks, and participate in evening programs for family members of all ages to enjoy!

Assumption students and alumni during the annual Homecoming

Homecoming

Every year, Hounds of all generations migrate back to their home on Salisbury Street for a weekend of fun events, including the Alumni End Zone Tailgate and a Greyhounds home football game at Brian Kelly ‘83 Stadium.

Assumption students dine in Taylor Dining Hall during the Thanksgiving meal tradition

Taylor Thanksgiving

Students begin lining up long before the doors to Taylor Dining Hall open for this fall classic tradition. Students, faculty, staff, and members of the Assumption community all gather for a feast before Thanksgiving break begins.

Assumption students wearing Christmas outfits under Assumption's Christmas tree

Winterfest / Christmas Tree Lighting

The holiday season is one of the best times to be a Hound. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year and the end of the fall semester with this annual winter carnival and tree-lighting ceremony on the Hagan Lawn.

Assumption staff wearing red "Midnight Breakfast" T-shirts

Midnight Breakfast

A student favorite, Midnight Breakfast always occurs on the last day of classes. Assumption faculty and staff volunteer to serve students a delicious spread of breakfast favorites to wish them good luck on their finals.

Assumption students wearing yellow "Duck Day" hats to celebrate the special event

Duck Day

Perhaps Assumption’s most famous tradition, Duck Day signifies the official beginning of spring on campus as we release our beloved ducks back to their home at the duck pond at the front of campus after they spend the cold winter indoors. Nearly 40 years ago, Professor Kenneth Moynihan and his wife Mary Jo began bringing the ducks to Assumption’s campus, but it wasn’t until 2004 that former Vice President of Student Affairs Catherine WoodBrooks started the tradition of Duck Day by inviting the thousands of members of the Assumption and Worcester communities to come together to welcome our ducks back to campus. Duck Day has been held annually since 2004.

Assumption student holds up an Assumption University bucket hat

Pup Cup

Held annually during Spring Weekend, the first year and sophomore classes compete in a variety of games and competitions to try and win the coveted Pup Cup Trophy … and bragging rights for the next year.

Assumption students pose for a photo with music duo "Two Friends"

Spring Weekend

Celebrate the final weekend of the academic year before finals begin. Each year, spring weekend features a theme, fun events, outdoor activities, and a spring concert that has previously featured artists such as Gavin DeGraw, Two Friends, Social House, and Hoodie Allen.