Unique Traditions

Dominican University of California was founded in 1890. Since that time, this very special place of learning has developed its own traditions that make it special.

The Penguin, The Habit, The Tuxedo

The school mascot of Dominican University of California is the penguin. The name of the student newspaper is The Habit. The annual on-campus literary magazine is The Tuxedo. The source of inspiration for all of the above derives from the black-and-white habits the sisters wear. The playful metaphors are approved of and enjoyed by the sisters.

Shield Day

Shield Day is a beautiful sight and a fascinating story. Historically, what began in the 12th century when Saint Dominic Guzman created the Dominican order, now continues every fall when the Dominican seniors officially greet the incoming freshmen with a special gift: an illustrated shield that reflects an inspirational motto. The motto the seniors have written helps guide the freshmen throughout their college years and throughout life.

The shields displayed at Shield Day are colorfully painted on wood. Until 1961, the shields were then turned into stained glass renditions. Now, the shields eventually take the form of hand-crafted wood carvings. The wood carvings are presented each year at Commencement.

All of Dominican's shields, dating back to the early 1920s, are displayed on campus in the Meadowlands Residence Hall, Guzman Lecture Hall, and the Shield Room

Senior Thesis

A long-standing academic tradition is that of the senior thesis. Much like a master's thesis, the senior thesis provides all students the opportunity to explore in great depth topics that interest them, preparing graduates for graduate school or a profession.

Baccalaureate Mass, Hood Ceremony, Commencement

Held the day prior to Commencement, Baccalaureate Mass is a unique tradition that reflects Dominican's Catholic heritage. Students and their families, faculty, staff, and friends of the University are invited to attend.

On the eve of Commencement, Dominican honors the academic achievement of graduating students with The Hood Ceremony. Each graduating senior and graduate student receives a hood, which is a colorful, historic symbol of scholastic excellence. This ceremony is a time-honored tradition in which the students and faculty wear their academic regalia. Conferral of the hood symbolizes that students have joined the community of educated people.

On a Saturday morning in May, the campus community joins graduating students and their families and friends for Commencement. The Dominican tradition includes a procession led by a bagpiper. Graduates cross the stage and receive their diplomas in the outdoor amphitheater of Forest Meadows.