Traditions
Willard has many great traditions - amazing activities which take place year after year (or at least for the past few). When they're coming up this year, check the Events page for more information. Look forward to these great traditional activities each year, and check out pictures of them in the media section!
Frances Willard Party
Normally taking place in early Fall quarter, this party in faux honor of our namesake was one of the best known bashes on campus. The fun kicked off with the Hall Decorating Competition where each floor competed for the win, followed by a soiree the likes of which Frances Willard never imagined, complete with a wild dance floor, and hourly munchies. Sadly, the University outlawed the Frances Willard party after 2001.
Willard Formal
Each year, Willard's Social Chairs plan an extravagant formal - a chance for Willardites to look their best while dancing the night away. Last year's formal was held in The University Club of Chicago, a gorgeous venue with a view of Grant/Millenium Park, and this year's is sure to be just as amazing. This is the party to attend for fabulous food, dancing, and the most awesome wooshackers around.
Polka Party
Once they hit winter, some Willardites can become lonely and depressed. So what better way to lift their spirits than by oom-pa-ing their worries away - good old fashioned Polish food, polka, and (of course, cause it's Willard) fun! And could there be a better place for polka than Chicago!? Polka Party is traditionally planned by Willard's Academic Chairs.
The following is a summary of the history of the Willard Polka Party according to F. Sheppard Shanley, faculty associate and former Willard master:
The first Polka Party was in March, 1982. It was organized by Steve Dobroski, one of the fireside chairs. Steve was from Chicago and thought that Willard needed to get out into Chicago for a different kind of party than those on campus. The first party was held at Wozniak's on Blue Island Avenue which was infamous for its "no questions asked" policy toward underage drinking. When the staunchly Republican restaurant was closed for "health reasons" after a Democratic alderman was elected, the party was held at a variety of locations, finally settling on the Polish Highlander's Alliance on South Archer. The party is now annually held at the Berghoff.
Willard Follies
The Willard Follies is an exciting variety show featuring Willardites' talents (real or imagined). Volunteer for the show and show the rest of us what you're made of, or just come along to watch. The Follies are traditionally planned by Willard's In-House Chair.
Woo-au Luau
This Spring Quarter tradition, started in 2003, features crazy fun such as pudding wrestling, slip-n-slides, volleyball, a dip in Lake Michigan, and of course, plenty of food. Don't forget your grass skirts and hawaiian shirts for this revelry in the Sorority Quads.
