Updated: Monday, October 28, 2024
While Friday the 13th is traditionally associated with superstitions and fears, it has paved the way for some unique college campus traditions. Beyond the folklore, some universities have created their own quirky and spirited traditions that turn this supposedly ominous day into a day of fun.
Whether it’s commemorating peculiar professors, engaging in school spirit, or simply reveling in revealing ways, these traditions are just a microcosm of campus life and can give prospective students a great glimpse at the personalities of the schools to which they’re applying. Below are three universities that celebrate Friday the 13th in fun — and downright quirky — ways.
Friday the 13th is Carberry Day at Brown University, named after the fictitious professor of psychoceramics (the study of cracked pots), Josiah Stinkney Carberry. He was “born” in 1929 in a fake announcement promoting his upcoming lecture. Since then, his legend has grown to include a fictitious family, an assistant who is always being bitten by something that begins with the letter “A,” and several publications under his name. He has also been the subject of numerous articles, including a New York Times piece in 1974 describing him as “the Paul Bunyan of travel.”
Students recognize Professor Carberry for his unique policy requiring attendance only on Friday the 13th and leap days — he, of course, fails to show up — but his popularity may also stem from his many eccentricities, including his geometric system based on a four-dimensional theory and his constant traveling to locales near and far. Cracked pots are placed in the libraries and administrative offices every Friday the 13th and Leap Day to collect donations for the Josiah S. Carberry Fund, which is used to purchase books for the library.
While Brown students have a good sense of humor, they are also serious about their studies. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, this Ivy League university has a unique Open Curriculum that allows students to customize their own course of study. While you can’t take courses in psychoceramics, you can join the Pottery Club. Learn how to get into Brown University.
Despite the typical superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th, Colgate University turns it into a day of celebration instead. On every Friday the 13th — not just the ones that fall in spooky season — Colgate Day ignites a global celebration that unites alumni from all corners of the world. It’s a day dedicated to coming together with fellow Colgate friends, proudly donning maroon attire, and expressing school spirit and love for the university through social media.
The number 13 is an important part of Colgate’s history. IvyWise counselor Tiffany explains why.
Colgate Day is just one of several cherished traditions celebrated on campus. Nestled in the scenic Finger Lakes region in Hamilton, New York, Colgate University offers many of the benefits of a larger research university at a small liberal arts school. Learn how to get into Colgate.
On a Friday the 13th in 1975, students from Baker residential college looking to blow off some steam started a tradition. Today, the Baker 13 run occurs on the 13th and 31st (or 26th if there is no 31st) of each month. This is no ordinary run. Participating Rice students commemorate the tradition by running around campus in nothing but sneakers and shaving cream — and that’s it. They attack the windows of other residential colleges, slathering shaving cream as they go.
Despite how streaking may be frowned upon on most campuses, Baker 13 is a part of Rice’s history. In fact, when the Olympic torch passed through campus prior to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, two Baker 13ers were included in the procession.
Located in the heart of Houston, Texas, Rice University is a highly ranked university known for its STEM programs and interdisciplinary curriculum. Baker 13 is just one part of a vibrant campus culture that includes several unique traditions and more than 200 student clubs and organizations.
If any of these Friday the 13th traditions appeal to you, consider writing about them in your college application essays! Colleges love hearing what it is specifically that you love about their school, so including traditions that are unique to them is a great way to personalize your supplemental essays. Need help turning your passion into pages? Schedule a free Discovery Call to learn how IvyWise’s expert college admissions counselors can help you craft the perfect supplemental essays for the colleges on your list.
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