This year, Central wants to take its traditions to a whole new level as part of its 125-year anniversary celebration.

The incoming freshman class will be part of a new tradition next fall, as Central plans to implement a traditions book as a way for students to get the entire college experience in Ellensburg.

“In the letter from the president, you really get the feeling it is an invitation of engagement and for people to be a part of something bigger than themselves,” said Jenna Hyatt, director of residence life & new student programs.

The book will be handed out to freshmen during orientation weekend, and will be available for purchase in the Wildcat Shop for students and alumni.

The book will have 91 traditions, signifying the year the school opened in 1891. Traditions range from working and living on campus to walking around People’s Pond.

“It’s a lot about frontloading the history of the institution,” said Robert Ford, senior director of alumni and constituent relations.

Even lost traditions such as “Sweecy Day,” which according to the archives committee was “one of the campus traditions to emerge following World War II,” will be brought back. According to the traditions book, President Brooks vetoed Sweecy Day in the 1970s because it turned from a wholesome campus holiday to a day of binge drinking.

Completing 72 out of the 91 traditions means becoming a Central “traditions keeper” and earning a medallion to wear during the graduation ceremony.  

“It is a visual representation. When you start piecing this together in your student experience, as you see different monuments that are identified historically, it really gives you a sense of place,” Ford said.

According to Ford, ASCWU and Services and Activities raised enough money to cover the cost of 10,000 books to be printed, with the Alumni Association being responsible for covering the cost of design.