For 120 years, generations of Assumption students have been connected through timeless traditions and special events that celebrate our community.
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!
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!
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. Homecoming 2026 will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026. More details coming in August!
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.
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.
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.
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 members of the Assumption and Worcester communities to come together to annually welcome our ducks back to campus.
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.
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.