Skip to main content
Department ofClassics

Stories

Spring Celebrations

As you may remember, the department hosts three events to celebrate our students every spring quarter.

Every spring quarter, the department hosts three events to celebrate our students. Our first event is typically the initiation ceremony for Eta Sigma Phi, our Classics honors society. Invitees have at least a 3.0 GPA overall and in Classics, have taken at least three Classics courses, including two language courses (any level of either Greek, Latin, or both), and are second years or higher. Since 2020, we have inducted over 50 students!

12 students behind a table with a royal blue tablecloth wearing purple and gold honor cords as 2023 Eta Sigma Phi inductees2023 Eta Sigma Phi initiation ceremony.

Zoom gallery of 2021 Eta Sigma Phi ceremonyA COVID-era Eta Sigma Phi initiation (2021).

After our senior majors complete their two-quarter capstone projects, they have the opportunity to present their work to other students, faculty, friends, and family in spring quarter. In previous years we have hosted a dinner for faculty and senior majors at Classics House after their presentations, but in 2024-2025, we will open the post-presentation celebration to all majors and minors to celebrate all involved in our department. Current majors and minors, be on the lookout for an invitation. Titles of recent projects.

Female student in grey sweater and black skirt giving a presentation in front if a screenSenior Capstone Presentations 2024.

Finally, at the end of finals week in Spring Quarter, we invite all senior majors and minors to bring their friends and family to a Graduation Reception held at Classics House. It is always a pleasure to meet everyone’s relatives and friends, and toast our seniors as they go onto the next phase of their lives. Seniors, keep some free time in your calendars for Friday afternoon before graduation to come celebrate with us.

7 graduating students at their senior celebration eventSenior Graduation Celebration 2023.