The bell of St. John’s College’s McDowell Hall will ring overnight Saturday into Sunday, February 1, between midnight and 1:30 a.m., as students at the third-oldest college in the country continue an annual tradition that marks a senior rite of passage. Each of this year’s seniors will be allowed one celebratory peal, marking the completion of the senior essay that is due that evening. The Mayor’s Office grants the college a special exemption to the city of Annapolis’ noise ordinance, allowing the long-standing tradition to continue. 

Seniors will turn in their essays on Saturday, January 31, at the president’s house. They then return to campus to ring the bell in McDowell Hall’s cupola (done with the push of a button).