Rosemont College kicked off the holiday season with three cherished traditions—Penny Toss, Carol Night, and the Finals Breakfast—on December 9, 2024. These time-honored events brought together students, faculty, staff, and alumni to share in the festive spirit, marking one of the College’s most anticipated gatherings of the year. 

The Penny Toss, a Rosemont tradition with roots to the Society of the Holy Child Jesus in England, symbolizes wishing students good luck as they prepare for final exams. During the ceremony, Rosemont’s president and Student Government Association president toss pennies from the balcony of Main Building to the students below. 

The festivities continued with Carol Night featuring candlelit caroling and joyful music. Following the singing, attendees enjoyed hot cocoa and cookies in Main Building, embracing the warmth of community and holiday cheer. 

The celebration didn’t end there. Students, faculty, and staff made their way to the Community Center for the Finals Breakfast, another treasured tradition at Rosemont. Faculty and staff donned aprons and served breakfast for dinner, providing students with a comforting meal before their exams. This longstanding tradition embodies the supportive and close-knit culture of Rosemont, reinforcing the College’s commitment to student well-being during a busy time of year.

President Jim Cawley reflected on the importance of these traditions:

“The Penny Toss, Carol Night, and Finals Breakfast are more than just events—they represent the essence of Rosemont’s community spirit. These gatherings connect the entire community and remind us of our shared values and our rich history.”