Chatham University students have made it past midterms and are now entering the final stretch of the semester. For many, this time brings an increasing sense of stress and urgency as exams, projects, presentations and countless other important deadlines loom on the horizon. While these pressures are undeniably real, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the traditions that are such a big part of our Chatham experience — customs that have been passed down through the years by both past and present Cougars (and Seals). 

Here are a few of Chatham’s cherished winter campus traditions to look forward to as we move towards the latter half of this semester, along with reflections from alumni who share their memories and thoughts on what these customs mean to them.

Harvest Dinner

Harvest Dinner is the annual Thanksgiving-inspired celebration where the entire campus community can come together and celebrate over a meal. Last year’s assortment of food included choices such as corn, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, apple cider and of course, turkey. This year’s annual Harvest Dinner will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Anderson Dining Hall. Registration can be done through the Happenings page on my.chatham.edu. In past years, a Harvest Dinner at Eden Hall featured a menu made with ingredients harvested directly from the farm. However, a concrete day for Eden Hall’s Harvest Dinner has not been set. 

Candlelight

Candlelight is one of Chatham’s most festive nights of the year, where the Chatham Choir presents a service consisting of a blend of seasonal and traditional songs. As the performance progresses, the lighting of several candles creates a warm and glowing atmosphere that adds to the magic of the evening. Candlelight will take place on Friday, Dec. 6. A pre-Candlelight reception will commence that night in the Mellon Center Lobby from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by the performance in the Campbell Memorial Chapel at 8 p.m. The Holiday Ball is a long-standing tradition at Chatham, held annually after the Candlelight service. This year, it will take place on December 6th from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the Mellon Board Room. 

Moonlight Breakfast

Moonlight Breakfast provides students the opportunity to decompress and spend time together before winter break. The event offers a free late-night breakfast served by faculty and staff. It’s a chance for students to take a break from their studies and enjoy a relaxing, communal meal as they recharge for the final days of classes and exams. The Moonlight Breakfast on the Shadyside campus will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Anderson Dining Hall.

Sledding

Although not an official campus event, students have made it their own, continuing to carry out this beloved tradition year after year. Before being banned in 2023, sledding on Chapel Hill reigned as the top spot on Chatham’s Shadyside campus. Alumni Sydney Wilson ‘24 looks back at this with fond memories.

“[My favorite winter tradition was] probably sledding down the hills and making snow angels at night, watching the stars. They are just really fun memories between me and my friends, and enjoying Chatham’s campus in the snow is so pretty,” Wilson said. 

Despite Chapel Hill no longer being an option, there are plenty of other spots around campus and in the broader Pittsburgh area that suffice just, as well. Popular sledding locations in Pittsburgh include Flagstaff Hill, Mellon Park and Boyce Park.