President Grant Cornwell declared today “Fox Day” at Rollins College.
Fox Day is one of the private school’s most beloved traditions, and it was established in 1956 by Rollins’ 10th president, Hugh McKean. Each spring, on a day deemed “too pretty to have class,” the president cancels all classes for the College of Liberal Arts, providing undergraduate students and staff a surprise day off. Though alumni often observe the day as well if you’re suddenly missing all of your Winter Park staff.
Which is why none of the Rollins grads showed up to work today.
A statue of the Rollins fox is placed on Tars Plaza, at the center of campus, early in the morning. The Chapel bell rings to alert students of the special occasion while the president hands out Fox Day proclamations and donuts to students who line up outside his office.
Buses are usually provided to shuttle the students to the beach and a barbecue/picnic party is hosted on the main lawn at the center of the campus.
You can read more about the tradition HERE and the day’s scheduled events.
Editor’s Note: There used to be a cat statue too, but someone stole it, and the rumor is that it was thrown in the lak,e but nobody’s ever found it.
