Daisy Chain Ceremony

During commencement/graduation week in Emmitsburg, an outdoor ceremony was held at St. Joseph College to induct members of the senior class into the Alumnae Association. It was hosted by officers and other members of the Alumnae and known as the "Daisy Chain Ceremony" or "Daisy Chain Reception."

For many years, seniors wore academic gowns as they processed into the ceremony, which was staged at different sites around the campus. Each graduate carried a link in the “chain,” typically a silk cord to which daisies were attached, on her shoulder. The president of the Alumnae welcomed the class into the Association and presented each member with a daisy. Often, other graduates would return to campus for the ceremony, especially if a family member were being inducted.

In 1968, the welcoming ritual was changed to a luncheon hosted by officers of the Alumnae Association, who presented daisies to the graduating class. The actual “daisy chain” is retained in the SJC Alumnae Office at St. Joseph’s Provincial House.

Each Daisy Chain Ceremony concluded with the singing of the St. Joseph’s alma mater, “All Together,” which includes a reference to the links of friendship never being broken, for “bright is its chain.”

History & Symbolism

A daisy chain is traditional at women’s colleges and sometimes used to mark the beginning of a class’s senior year of studies. The first such ceremony is reported to have taken place at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY, one of the original “Seven Sister” schools, which is now coed.

Daisies symbolize many things, including innocence, youth, gentleness and common affection. At St. Joseph’s College, the Daisy Chain also signified the bonds of friendship formed during college years.

Share Your Memories

What do you recall about the Daisy Chain Ceremony? What significance did it have for you? Please share your memories: Email us or add a comment to the Blog.