• Schiller. A bust of the 18th-century German poet has been passed from generation to generation of Carleton students, appearing at opening convocation and other large gatherings—often accompanied by dark-suited ninjas. It’s been through more than most inanimate objects during the past 40 years: the bust has been blown up, dropped from a helicopter, and ridden in Air Force One.

• Soap bubbles. For decades, Carls sitting in the upper balcony of Skinner Chapel during opening convocation have blown bubbles over faculty during the opening procession.

• Flight of the ’bee. Ultimate Frisbee is the most popular game on campus, and every student receives a Frisbee on their first day as a student at Carleton. Carleton’s competitive men’s and women’s Ultimate teams, CUT and Syzygy, are frequently among the best teams in the nation.

To read about other well-known traditions, visit http://www.carleton.edu/admissions/character/traditions.html