Mount Holyoke College celebrates Mountain Day
On a day filled with sun, smiles and temporary tattoos, students, faculty and staff flocked to the summit of Mt. Holyoke to celebrate Mount Holyoke College’s oldest tradition.
When the clock struck 7 am on September 19, the bells in the clock tower started ringing to signify the changing of the hour. But something was different.
The bells didn’t stop ringing. That could only mean one thing — Mountain Day.
As the bells continued to ring, a message from President Danielle R. Holley was sent to campus. The sky was crystal clear as the sun rose behind the summit house of Mt. Holyoke. The summit would soon be filled with students, staff and faculty celebrating Mount Holyoke College’s oldest tradition.
The date of Mountain Day is always a secret — very few on campus know when it will arrive. While guesses are made, the anticipation makes the day even more exciting.
“The anticipation and the buzz around campus ahead of Mountain Day is really fun,” said Ryan Heller ’27. “Then after Mountain Day, there are always stories for weeks where people are like ‘Oh that was so cool — I can’t believe you did that!’ It’s a fun day to have an excuse not to be stressed.”
Students arriving at the summit rushed to grab their temporary tattoos. The design of the tattoo changes every year and is also kept a secret. Cold brew coffee with vanilla ice cream was served by the Mount Holyoke College culinary team. A visit from Blu, the presidential dog, signaled the arrival of President Holley, ready to sing the Alma Mater.
“The tattoos are my favorite part,” said Rebeka Henderson ’26. “You get up here and you get to see what they did this year because every year they’re different. It is kind of an extra surprise on top of ‘when’s Mountain Day?’”
While Mountain Day was created by Mount Holyoke College founder Mary Lyon to get students out into nature and fresh air, it means something different to everyone. This is what makes the day so special.
“It’s a good break from classes, especially when you’re just getting used to the schedule,” said Lily Deal ’27. “It’s just a good way to spend some time in nature — to not be stuck inside your computer or in your books. It’s so much fun!”
Mountain Day is also about building your own traditions and memories. Ryanne McCann ’27 and Meena Relyea-St.Rawn ’27 have committed to hiking Mt. Holyoke together each Mountain Day until their graduation.
“It makes me see beyond a small bubble and into a bigger community. I appreciate how it is a tradition shared by current students and alums; it carries through generations of Mount Holyoke,” said Relyea-St.Rawn. “This is the second year that Ryanne and I have done the hike together, so it's building those memories over multiple years.”
The earliest hikers arrived at the base of the mountain by 8 am, setting off before the crowds to have the tranquility of the summit to themselves.
“My fiancé and I hiked together, and we were the first ones to reach the summit,” said Bee Mayberry ’25. “That was really special for me — getting to take the time to take it all in and enjoy the quiet before everyone gets here. It’s all so wild and fun.”
