Even/Odd weekend is the most talked about weekend at Wells College. We plan out our outfits months in advance, fighting the urge to whip out the glitter, excited to chant traditional songs, and probably the most obvious to get super lit. Though it is a battle of the classes, it is one of the most important traditions at Wells because it is one that brings us all together. No other tradition at Wells college has brought the community together the way that Even/Odd has.
The Evenline, whose colors are blue and green, includes students who graduate in even-numbered years, while the Oddline, whose colors are purple and gold, are students who graduate in odd-numbered years. In the fall, the women’s team has a sing-off and a basketball game. The Men’s Even/Odd weekend was introduced in 2008. In the spring semester, the events begin with a dance-off in the Dining Hall followed by a dodgeball game the following night.
Being a part of the Evenline sisterhood was something that I never envisioned myself doing. I thought it was out of my character and it was out of my comfort zone to do so. Personally, I found the tradition to be a bit corny and a lame excuse for everyone on campus to get drunk. It was a very new experience that tested me in ways that I have never been challenged. I have built relationships with people that I would have never befriended in an ordinary setting. I found myself caring so much about the women around me. The three weeks spent preparing for our ‘big moment’ was more important than the said moment. I have experienced both sides where This tradition holds different value to different people in our close-knit community.
“The Odd/Even tradition reminds me of how interconnected the classes are here at Wells. Not a lot of other schools could say that they have good relationships with people that graduated two or more years ago. It’s important to keep the tradition alive because it’s the original wells weird tradition. In a time when people are losing faith in the Wells community, it’s important to remind them that we are still here, weird as always. My favorite part of the tradition has always been the passing down of the whistles. I remember how excited I was freshman year for one of my Oddline friends to get a whistle, and how overjoyed I was to get my own. It connects you forever with a person because you’ll always have this shared trophy.” -Amanda Anderson Evenline ‘20
“Even/Odd and Odd/Even are two of the biggest celebrated traditions on campus. Every season the entire student body unites into two teams, and it’s an opportunity to bond with more than your close friends. That’s my favorite part of the tradition – visually seeing a unity on campus that I was promised but don’t see too often. Oh yeah, and beating the Evens.” -Darcy McElligott Oddline ‘19
“The tradition means community. It is important to keep this alive because it showcases Wells spirit, and it’s is so unique. This does not mean that there’s no room for growth and change. However, it’s essential for it to stay a part of Wells. My favorite part is being tied to and a part of a tradition specific to Wells. I feel a bond and together with my community.” -Paetyn Burish Evenline’20
“The tradition is important to me because it allows me, as a queer male, to be part of a brotherhood with men I never thought I’d bond with. I still keep in touch with some of the dudes from my season, and I really do think of them as my brothers.” -Edgar Jimenez Evenline ‘20