About Amherst Amherst Traditions
The Singing College
We have six student-run a cappella groups as well as the Amherst Choral Society, which is made up of four ensembles.
The Writing College
Amherst faculty and alumni have included many influential authors, including Robert Frost, David Foster Wallace ’85, Min Jin Lee, and more. We also host the annual LitFest celebration, inviting distinguished authors to campus.
Commencement Traditions
At Commencement, every graduate receives a cane. Two hymns — “Three Gifts” and “Hymn to Amherst” — are sung. On stage fly flags representing the home countries of all members of the graduating class. These are just a few of our traditions.