Wear Kenyon Swag or Purple

Have a chance to win prizes including a custom pair of Kenyon Nikes, a Kenyon windbreaker and more! Enter the raffle at the Kick-off, Bagelpalooza and other events.

Modified Class Schedule

  • 8:10 - 9:30 a.m. class changes to 8:10 - 9:20 a.m.
  • 8:10 - 11:00 a.m. class changes to 8:10 - 10:40 a.m.
  • 9:40 - 11:00 a.m. class changes to 9:30 - 10:40 a.m.

Schedule of Events

Kick-off with Donuts and Hot Cider

8 - 9:30 a.m. Advancement Center Porch (Chase Avenue, next to the post office)
Enjoy free donuts and cider (while supplies last) on your way to class, enter the Founders' Day raffle (prizes include custom Nikes) and pick up swag.

Class of 2029 Bagelpalooza

10:40 - 11 a.m. Peirce Hall, Alumni Dining Room
First-year and transfer students are invited to stop by the lower level of Peirce Hall for free Panera bagels and Kahoot! trivia with prizes including Kenyon sweatshirts and blankets. Students will then walk together to the Founders' Day ceremony in Rosse Hall.

Founders’ Day Ceremony

11:10 a.m. Rosse Hall
All students welcome! At this annual ceremony, first-year and transfer students take the Matriculation Oath, and all attendees celebrate the past, present and future of the College and recognize faculty, staff and community members who have contributed to Kenyon’s success. 

Class of 2029 Tree Planting

Immediately following the ceremony, the Class of 2029 will plant and name their class tree. For students in the Classes of ’26, ’27, ’28: find your tree and add your name to your tree sign.

Matriculation Book Signing

12 - 4:30 p.m. Carver Reading Room, Chalmers Library
Join over 24,000 students from 1841 to now as a part of Kenyon’s history.

Community Sing

4:15 p.m. Steps of Rosse Hall
Alumni, students, faculty and staff come together to celebrate Founders' Day and sing Kenyon's four traditional songs celebrating the history of the College. Learn more about  the songs and view lyrics.

Pealing of the Bells

4:30 p.m. (immediately following Community Sing)
Listen as the Pealers ring out a selection of the Kenyon songs.

Celebration Dinner with Cake and Ice Cream 

5 - 8 p.m. Peirce Hall Atrium
Enjoy a giant birthday cake and ice cream to cap off the celebration of Founders' Day, featuring Kenyon celebrity cake servers. This will be the final opportunity to enter the raffle.