A tradition since 1916, Hey Day has evolved throughout the past 100-plus years as Penn’s “moving up” celebration—the day juniors officially become seniors. It has been characterized most recently by thousands of juniors marching proudly through campus, sporting fake straw hats, red T-shirts, and canes.
Although unable to meet at College Green this semester, President Amy Gutmann commemorated the milestone moment in a video featuring Class Board 2021 members.
“Juniors, raising a hat at Hey Day is one of our greatest traditions, I wish so much we could be together for your special milestone,” said Gutmann, with Penn Band’s rendition of “The Red and Blue” playing in the background. “Though we must be apart I look forward to the day when we’re reunited, in person, on campus, and until then there is simply no way we’re going to let distance hold us back from lifting our skimmers to the great Class of 2021.”
Donning red and with a bite of her hat, Gutmann declared all juniors officially seniors—indeed, waiving her typical “quiz.”
