The Colby Echo

Issue date: 3/2/07 Section: Opinions

Media Credit: Margie Gribbell

Anyone that has experienced the "Champagne on the Steps" tradition at Colby knows it's ridiculous. They know its complete insanity and absolute fun. They know that it can get a little crazy, and unfortunately, several Colby seniors were arrested for their actions on the steps last year. I fear, however, that this year's freshmen class (and classes to follow) will never get to witness such the event.

Unless the students do something about it.

For those of you who do not know what "Champagne on the Steps" is, here's a quick synopsis of the event: On the last day of classes in the spring (the last day of college for seniors), the senior class gathers at the apartments for one last hurrah. They dress in absurd outfits, much more nonsensical than Halloween. Many of them indulge in alcohol, and then, as a class, they walk down the hill from the apartments. They walk down the hill in front of Lorimer Chapel. They march to the steps in front of Miller Library, and eventually congregate in a roped-off area where they drink bottles of champagne. It is their last chance to gather as a class and act out in a fashion perhaps their parents would not approve of-it is neither public (like graduation) nor private (like some parties may be). It's celebration at its finest-carelessness in a protected environment.

Last year may have been the last "Champagne on the Steps" in Colby history. That's right. This year, the administration may decide to do away with it and replace it with another far tamer activity.

I understand there have been unfortunate circumstances in past years. Last year, several students were arrested for their unruly behavior towards Waterville and Oakland Police striving to end the celebration, and move the seniors down to the BBQ in the fieldhouse. Students have cut themselves on smashed bottles, some have gotten infections from swallowing glass, etc. They all have suffered the consequences of their actions.

Shouldn't that be enough? Each student knows they are responsible for their own actions-as such, they should follow the consequences that come as a result of those actions. Why make the entire senior class (and those classes in the following years) suffer as a result?

Colby loves to abandon tradition.

Years ago, it was customary to jump in Johnson Pond on the last day of class. Now, if a student does it, it is a $1000 fine. The rumors behind the reasoning for this swimming prevention have varied from it being non-conducive to the ecological aspects of the pond, to a student's breaking his arm as a result of an unfortunate swimming attempt.

Whatever the reason may be, this just goes to show that the administration takes immediate, all-encompassing actions following minute events. If it is true, yes, it's unfortunate that someone broke their arm trying to swim in the pond. Yes, it's unfortunate someone was so inebriated they swallowed too much glass at the Steps and other students were arrested. But why do these events call for such dire results? Don't we feel as though the students who were arrested had to deal with enough trouble facing the police? That's consequence enough.

Year after year, there are over 100 students involved in this event. More than ninety percent of them make it through the event with flying colors, and all the better for it, because they get to cherish such a unique institution.

"Champagne on the Steps" is a purely Colby event; a tradition that truly signifies the senior class having passed their time on Mayflower Hill. Why deprive of us that tradition?

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