Print Page

Class Icons


A New Tradition

Dickinson prides itself on maintaining traditions that have been in place throughout the history of the college—from the symbolic ringing of the Denny bell to reserving the old stone steps of Old West for use during Convocation and Commencement only; from historic organizations like Raven's Claw and Wheel and Chain to superstitions like not stepping on the seal in Britton Plaza.

These traditions unite Dickinsonians across generations and give current students a strong sense of connection to the college’s history.

In 2010, a new tradition emerged—the creation of class icons.



A New Identity

Until the creation of the class icons, there was no visual identity that could be claimed by individual classes. All Dickinson students shared the Dickinson logo, which unifies them as members of the Dickinson College community as a whole. But the icons allow for a more specific affinity—among one’s classmates. This affinity remains strong throughout the four years at Dickinson and beyond and will be strengthened through class reunions during Alumni Weekend and other Dickinson events.

The icons employ visual representations of some of the college’s most significant landmarks: the mermaid, the statue of Benjamin Rush, the doors of Old West and the campus archways. While these landmarks will be rotated, each icon will be unique to each class. See photos below of the five class icons currently in use.

Getting Started

Incoming classes will begin seeing their icons on the college Web site and in other communication during the spring prior to their arrival on campus. This is intended to start building a sense of class identity before they even get to Carlisle.

The icons for the four existing classes are currently hanging above the spiral staircase in the Holland Union Building (see photos above). Following certain guidelines, students and administrators can use the icons for class events, advertising and paraphernalia like T-shirts and coffee mugs. The college anticipates these icons becoming a widely visible presence campuswide as Our Dickinson events and activities take place during the academic year.

Current students: If you are interested in using your class icon, contact us at ourdson@dickinson.edu to obtain the proper format and resolution.