As this year's graduates step off the stage, diploma in hand, they will receive something that is both new and old. In a revival of a 19th-century tradition, the College will present all graduating seniors with a class cane.

In the College's early years, fashionable upperclassmen distinguished themselves as such by carrying canes and wearing top hats. Upon reaching sophomore status, each class member would have the privilege of carrying a cane with a design unique to his class. These canes were distinctive and lasting mementos of each graduating class.

When senior members of the Friends of the Amherst College Library Student Activities Committee Jose Abad '03, Benjamin Baum '03 and Ciona van Dijk '03 decided to revive an old College tradition for this year's commencement, Abad recalled the old photos of students and alumni with their class canes in the College Archives that he had seen while working there over the summer. "Much of the history is reflected in the visual images," said Head of Archives and Special Collections Daria D'Arienzo, who helped Abad, Baum and van Dijk research and revive this tradition.

Since the tradition disappeared in the first decade of the 20th century, class canes have only existed at the College in the Archive's photos and collections. The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) enthusiastically supported the return of the canes earlier this year, according to Baum. "Any time an old and good tradition if renewed-especially at a place with so much history like Amherst College-I think it's a good thing," said former AAS Vice-President Bob Razavi '03.

Honorary Marshal George Johnson '73, father of senior Will Johnson, will distribute the "Derby"–style chestnut canes, which are English-style canes that were manufactured in Germany. Each cane comes with a small plaque affixed to it engraved with "2003" and an emblem that the College first used in 1901 on a Glee Club program.

"The plaque is modeled on the traditional emblems engraved in the 19th century canes," said Baum. "Usually this included an Amherst College "A" and "C" with the class year. "The plaque signifies the class individually," said Abad. "Each class will design their own plaque and place the year of graduation on it. It is what makes the cane personal to each graduating senior member."

Abad anticipates that the class cane tradition will continue. "We already have the next group of people who will take it over for next year," he said.

The honorary degree recipients and honorary class members will also receive class canes.