• In-Person Classes

After spending over a year participating in either remote or hybrid classes, the University started its fall 2021 semester with the return of in-person instruction – with masking – amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Both students and professors alike were happy to reconnect in the physical classroom. 

• Class of 2024 Matriculation and Candle-lighting Ceremonies

Many traditions were lost in the 2020-21 academic year as the university worked to adapt both daily practices and traditions in a pandemic safe manner. Before the start of the fall 2021 semester, second-year students who make up the class of 2024 had the opportunity to finally participate in their Matriculation and Candle-lighting ceremonies.

• Holmes Hall 

Fall 2021 brought the unveiling of the new management school and addition to the University: Holmes Hall. Holmes Hall recognizes University alum Steve Holmes ’79 along with his wife Bonnie Bencsko Holmes ’79. The building has now been a hot spot on campus for students having many classes in the space, utilizing the study rooms or just looking for a spot to pass time between meetings.

• Pep Rally 

Last year’s isolation and overall erring-on-the-side-of-caution prevented many typical college experiences from occurring in their usual fashion. Thankfully, this past fall the University brought back a memorable aspect of college life with the return of the pep rally following first-year orientation. The pep rally highlighted athletes and included performances from the Bisonettes, Bison Girls and the Cheer team. It was a lively night of excitement to set the fall semester off on the right foot.

• Family Appreciation Weekend

Yet another tradition that was lost in the pandemic year but made its great return in 2021 was family weekend. During the weekend of Sept. 17, the hotels of Lewisburg and surrounding areas were booked and our campus was more crowded than usual with the families of University students. The energy was lively over the weekend with parents, siblings even grandparents experiencing a glimpse of campus life for the weekend.

• Bingo Blingo

Yet another CAP Center event that kept students entertained on a Friday night was the electric Bingo Blingo on Sept. 3. With prizes ranging from University merch to a new iPad and Apple Pen students were on the edge of their seats throughout the event. Other sought-after prizes included a hydroflasks, a speaker, a printer, a TV and more.

• Fetty Wap canceling, A$AP Ferg chaos

Most of the student population was ready and excited for Fetty Wap’s anticipated Aug. 27 performance. Chaos erupted throughout campus on the 26th when it was revealed that Fetty had canceled his performance. Thankfully, the University Cap Center and Brent Papson saved the weekend with a last-minute A$AP Ferg show.

• Two Friends

Following the Fetty Wap and A$AP Ferg drama, the energy was kept alive in Sojka Pavilion with a Two Friends appearance on Aug. 26.

• Vedder Mold 

Panic and confusion began early in the semester downhill in Vedder Hall, as perennial problems with dorm-room mold grew untenable. While many students across campus faced relocation and endured the countless mold treatments and protocols, Vedder students endured the worst of it throughout the semester. Half of the building is currently under construction as the university attempts to clean out the mold. But despite these troubles, Vedder is still standing – with half as many students as last semester and past years. 

• Fall Fest

Fall Fest, a University tradition that was put on pause in the height of the pandemic, made its comeback this past fall. Students from every class came out to enjoy the rides, crafts and different varieties of food. The festival also featured student performances followed by the main concert.

• Shaq

Capping a memorable Fall Fest was the appearance and performance of “DJ Diesel,” stage alias of basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. Students flooded the crowd with high energy on the Sojka Lawn for an incredible concert organized by the CAP Center and Activities and Campus Events.

• Return of Yik Yak

Popular many years ago, the infamous Yik Yak application made its return this fall, spreading drama and news to all students one way or another. After a few weeks of Yik Yak commotion, students began forming strong feelings of either hate or adoration for the app. While it was a point of entertainment many times throughout the semester, some particularly eclectic thoughts and comments ensured regular controversy on the anonymous app.

• Feria Latina

Bucknell LACOS celebrated culture at their Feria Latina event on Oct. 2 with food, music, face painting and more. The organization encouraged all students to attend and enjoy the festivities.

• International Coming Out Day

The office of LGBTQ+ Resources put together a group photograph for International Coming Out Day. Students were invited to pick up a “Celebrate Difference” shirt supplied in a variety of colors to wear on Oct. 14 and in the photo on Rooke Science stairs.

• Purple Thursday

To commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness month, Speak Up rallied students together on Oct. 21 to honor its Purple Thursday initiative. Students were encouraged to wear purple to show support for victim-survivors. 

• Fall Break

With COVID protocols came the long semesters of the 2020-21 academic year. Thankfully this fall we were able to relax and return home for a weekend in October for a much-needed fall break. 

• Women’s Soccer Patriot League Champions 

For the first time since 2017, the University women’s soccer team won the Patriot League Championships. Ranked 4th, the women’s team defeated top-seeded Boston University 1- 0 in the finals. This was the fifth championship win for our women’s team and a memorable moment for the University in 2021. 

• SpeakUp’s “Take Back the Night”

On Nov. 4 the Bucknell SpeakUp organization hosted its annual “Take Back the Night” event. Students from across campus gathered in supporting and uplifting victim-survivors of sexual assault. The event featured a solidary march, first opened with speeches, storytelling and poems from students.

• “Cafsgiving”

The lines for Bostwick were out the doors only once last semester on the night of Nov. 11. Starting at 5 p.m. the University Dining Staff outdid themselves with the presentation and execution of Cafsgiving 2021. In addition to the typical Thanksgiving Dinner meal, a wide assortment of desserts ended the evening on a high note.

• Sal Vulcano 

Keeping the special appearances going, on Nov. 5 students gathered to enjoy some laughs from Impractical Joker comedian Sal Vulcano. Sal performed in Sojka Pavilion, but it was said that laughs throughout the performance could be heard from uphill.

• Fall Dance Concert

While dance didn’t stop at the University last year, unfortunately, in-person performances were put on pause. In December of 2021, Bucknell Dance Company brought back to the stage its Annual Fall Dance Concert. The performance featured choreography from faculty, guests and even students. 

Wrapping up the fall semester and 2021 we can conclude that University students work hard – but the CAP Center works harder!