Halloween with the Dean
Falling temperatures, longer evenings, and the changing leaves signal the arrival of one of the College's most popular traditions, Halloween with the Dean. The annual celebration, hosted by Dean of Students Liz Braun, provides a nice break in routine for the students and helps to get them into the holiday spirit.
"Halloween with the Dean is an opportunity to welcome students into my home and give them an opportunity to take a break, enjoy each other's company, and just have fun," explains Braun.
The event includes a pumpkin-carving contest, crafts, s'mores, a make-your-own-trail-mix bar, and a cappella performances, among other activities.
"Swarthmore students work really hard and are constantly challenging themselves," says Braun. "But they also have a wonderful sense of fun and creativity and so this event is my way of giving them a chance to be playful. I love seeing them spend hours designing Halloween masks, carving pumpkins, and trying to design the ultimate combination of trail mix or the perfect s'more."
She adds, "It's really meaningful to me how many students tell me this is one of their favorite Swarthmore traditions, how they come every year, and how much they appreciate being in our home."
Sarah Tupchong '17, a biology major from Lafayette Hill, Pa., agrees.
"I can say with certainty that it is my favorite event of the season because it is consistently good," she says. "Dean Braun always does an amazing job every year decorating her house, generously opening it up to the students and community, and providing us with lots of candy, warm cider, and pizza."
