Elizabeth Murray ’26
Features Editor
If you were in one of the dorm buildings scattered around campus on April 14 between the times of 7:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., you very likely heard the rowdy voices of seniors gathering freshman for DisOrientation, also known as Dis-O.
Dis-O is a long standing Mount Holyoke College tradition where the senior class, dressed in their graduation robes, gathers the freshman in the spring semester at Mary Lyon’s grave to sing a rendition of the Alma Mater followed by the Anti-Alma Mater, walk over to the President’s House, sing the two songs once again, and enjoy some special M&Cs.
Originally held in the fall, this tradition dates back to the 1900s and has evolved over the decades. Starting as Freshman Day, it involved the freshman and sophomore classes facing off in games like basketball, while the upperclassmen could have the firsties complete tasks for them. In the 1940s the tradition became Hazing Day. Seniors wore their academic robes, and the freshmen would be dressed in costume and then treated to a night out by the seniors.
By 1970 it became a week-long tradition, but in 1985 Massachusetts passed an anti-hazing law. This was when it began to be called DisOrientation, and rules were set in place throughout the 1990s about how the event was to be conducted. The class of 1993 protested when the College made a last minute rule change to Dis-O, however the tradition has continued on to this day.
The most recent change to Dis-O occurred in 2017 when it was moved to the Spring semester, to include springies and create more secrecy surrounding the date.
As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, and no one was likely more aware than this year's participants in Dis-O. Under the downpour participants gathered in front of Mary Lyon’s grave and were promptly directed to Hooker Auditorium, where the 2026 class board was waiting.
Justin Bieber's 2012 hit “Beauty and a Beat” played on the projector as the crowd sang along. After welcoming everyone, the senior class board introduced themselves, and led the crowd in a sing along of the Alma and Anti-Alma Maters. The energy was palpable with chants of both 2026 and 2029 ripping through the auditorium.
Due to the rain, the walk to the President’s House had to be delayed. After a round of Justin Bieber's “Baby” the crowd was delegated outside to the path leading to the cross walk. The energy stayed, with some students chanting their love and support for Hampshire College, who that morning had announced their impending closure.
By 8:45 p.m., M&Cs was ready and the crowd was directed to the President’s House. President Holley came out to join the crowd, posing for photos, and joined in singing another round of the Alma and Anti-Alma Mater.
“It’s such a gift to be part of this community and I hope all the first years got to feel that themselves at this event,” said Olivia Curtis ’26.
Angelina Godinez ’28 contributed to fact checking