In the earliest days of the college, residence students gathered to eat the main meal of the day in a formal setting. Much like today, the students all wore academic gowns and heard traditional Latin graces, and etiquette rules were in place. These basic, simple formalities have remained relatively unchanged for some 200 years.
Formal Meal is held once a semester, providing an opportunity for faculty, staff, students–and this winter, alumni–to dine together and listen to guest speakers. Attendees wear their academic gowns, and students stand until the head table arrives and the Latin grace has been said (or sung!). The gowns, the grace and the ritual have become familiar territory for King’s students and alumni; an essential part of what it means to be part of the King’s community.
Winter Formal Meal will take place on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
Update: Registration for alumni is now closed. Seats for alumni are limited. The first 20 alumni to RSVP will be invited to attend. Alumni Relations Manager Kimberly Gosse will be in touch to let you know if you are successful in grabbing a coveted seat at the table.
Residence students can attend by picking up a ticket from the Prince Hall front desk any time between January 25 and 2 p.m. on January 29.
Day students should stay tuned to their university email inbox and King’s social media for information about how to attend—coming soon!
