The sun is shining down on the Main Lawn as students laugh and converse with their new life-long friends. Standing in front of Main, a feeling of belonging and new journeys fills the 200 freshman women as they celebrate the tradition of throwing a red rose into the beautiful fountain that adorns the doorsteps of Peace College. This is a tradition that typically ends with graduation when you throw your last red rose into the fountain, symbolizing completion of your college career.
“The traditions I will miss most are the ones that I possibly will not get to experience. I remember throwing my first rose into the fountain, and I am saddened by the possibility of not throwing my last rose into the fountain when I graduate,” said Hannah Murphy, Class of 2014.
She described Peace College as a school she fell in love with. During an interview with her, she elaborately described her feelings of joy to be a part of the school. She shared stories of the experiences that came with a close, all female community.
Today, the old has gone and the new has come. Peace College is no more, and what remains left of the actual school are the buildings, and the Class of 2014. Although the end for many is bittersweet, there is a sense of prestige that comes with being in the last official class of Peace College.
“I am really happy that I got to experience Peace College and the sisterhood that comes with it,” said Shannon Wright, Class of 2014. “I am saddened that future generations however, will not get to experience what I did.”
Murphy however, feels that the college’s transition to a co-educational status has opened the door for many new journeys, and that there is one aspect of Peace College that continues to live on.
“I am happy that future students will get to experience one of my favorite aspects of Peace. There is nothing better here than the faculty and the knowledge gained from such incredible teachers. One thing I will never forget is being able to go into Flowe and just hang out with Newhouse, Laskowski, Anderson, or any of them,” said Murphy.
This is a bittersweet transition from a tight-knit community to new and promising beginnings for a brand new school named William Peace University.
As the days pass, roommates Hannah Murphy and Shannon Wright will continue to reminisce on what Peace College means to them. Although the school may be different, in their eyes and in the hearts of many alumnae, Peace College will live on forever.