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History

Campus Day

Tim White

University of Idaho President
Tim White
Supports Campus Day

"The University of Idaho has strong traditions of community, community pride and stewardship. Since the earliest years, the university has found ways to put its commitment to community engagement and sustainability into action. I applaud the Campus Day tradition begun so many years ago by Permeal French, dean of women. She modeled for us the true spirit of building community through working together. On Campus Day 2008 I invite you to grow this legacy by participating, as I will, in Campus Day activities."

“As early as 1906 student leaders attempted to organize a campus workday. The workday began around 1908 and, on May 23, 1910, Permeal French, Dean of Women, instigated the university’s first Campus Day. During the day students, faculty, and townspeople cleaned the campus and planted shrubs and ivy. In the afternoon all gathered to sing songs and watch campus women participate in a May-pole dance.” – Taken from “This Crested Hill” by Keith C. Peterson

Campus Day eventually morphed into May Fete which evolved into Parents Weekend. UI now celebrates a Moms’ Weekend in the spring and a Dads’ Weekend in the fall.

Student work crew constructing new steps at the School of Mines Building during Campus Day in 1923. (UI SC 2-99-4)

Student work crew constructing new steps at the School of Mines Building during Campus Day in 1923. (UI SC 2-99-4)