More College Events Than Days in the Year

With an average of two events a day on campus, there’s literally always something going on. Many college events are initiated and designed by students, giving you opportunities to practice entrepreneurial leadership outside the classroom.

Babson Annual Traditions

There are some events that are just too good to stop. Beyond regular shows from the Babson Players, Babson Dance Ensemble performances, multifaith dinners, and tailgates, there are several can’t-miss traditions that you should basically add to your calendar right now. 

Founder’s Day

A fall tradition since 1947, Founder’s Day honors Roger Babson, founder and first president of the College. Alongside music, lawn and carnival games, henna and tattoo art, giveaways, trivia, and more, you’ll find a variety of apple treats—a nod to Babson’s admiration for Sir Isaac Newton.

Spirit Week

In the week leading up to Back to Babson, students celebrate their Babson Pride through events for undergraduates that include Pictures with Biz, the Spirit Week Candy Bar, and the Great Beaver Hunt, where 100 beavers are hidden around campus. Find a beaver, win a prize! (Don’t worry, no real beavers are harmed during this event.)   

Friends and Family Weekend

Having a supportive community is crucial to your college success, and that includes your family, however you define it. As part of the annual Back to Babson event, which brings alumni back to campus, Friends and Family weekend allows parents, guardians, extended family, partners, and friends to get a glimpse into life at Babson. They can attend open houses across campus, take classes, and meet faculty and staff.

Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Day

A time to reflect on the work and teachings of Dr. King, this day includes guest speakers, leadership awards presented to those who have lived Dr. King’s values, and a creativity contest focused on diversity and inclusion. 

Late-Night Breakfast

Studying for final exams is a lot less stressful when you’re doing it on a full stomach. At the end of fall semester, right before exams, Trim Dining Hall opens for a late-night breakfast served by faculty and staff.

Fairs

Fairs are a way to get a sense of the possibilities available to you, whether that’s what clubs you can join or what types of internships are available. Each year on campus starts with the Student Organization Fair, where you can meet students representing organizations across campus. There’s also an annual Internship Fair in February, where you can get a jump-start on your summer internship search, as well as the Multicultural Fair, showcasing cultures from around the world.

Each spring, more than 40 employers come to Babson as part of the Career Fair. Employers look for both full-time and summer internship candidates. Prep your resume and get ready to meet representatives from companies across industries.

Senior Week

It may feel like senior year is way in the distance, but people aren’t kidding when they say four years go by fast! Plus, there’s a lot to look forward to during the week, like the senior ball, senior cruise, overnight trips, and brunch at the dean’s house.

Pitch Competitions

If you’ve got a business idea you want to explore or even want to grow an existing business, there’s no better place than Babson to do so. Annual pitch competitions allow you to get invaluable feedback that helps move your business forward (not to mention the chance to win some incredible funding!).

B.E.T.A. Challenge

What would your business do with $20,000? Every year, one lucky undergraduate business gets to answer that question. The Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship hosts the annual B.E.T.A. Challenge (Babson Entrepreneurial Thought & Action®), awarding a graduate, alumni, and undergraduate business with $20,000 in cash, plus services-in-kind donations from corporate sponsors. 

Rocket Pitch

Three minutes. Three PowerPoint slides. That’s all you have to pitch your business idea. Sponsored by The Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship, this annual competition allows undergraduate and graduate students, as well as alumni from Babson, F.W. Olin College of Engineering, and Wellesley College to get feedback from other students, faculty, and staff, plus investors and service providers.

Visiting Speakers & Entrepreneurs in Residence

As the leader in entrepreneurial education, Babson brings together entrepreneurial leaders from across industries. And, you get to benefit from their experience and knowledge. Entrepreneurs in Residence are experts from a variety of industries who bring their expertise to one-on-one coaching, classroom lectures, and more.

In partnership with Delta Airlines, Babson’s BrandBites CEO Thought Leadership series connects you with such guests as Scott Uzzell, CEO of Converse. The Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship Talk Tuesdays features ask-me-anything style sessions with guests like intellectual property lawyer Mark S. Leonardo or Sabrina Horn, founder of Horn Group.

Past Guest Speakers & Entrepreneurs in Residence

Tory Burch H’14

Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Tory Burch LLC

Daymond John

CEO, FUBU

Gail Simmons

“Top Chef” judge, cookbook author

Andrew Zimmern

Chef, restaurateur, TV personality 

James Blake 

Former tennis player

Annual Forums

Planned by graduate students with the help of undergraduate students, annual forums attract national and international entrepreneurial leaders and innovators. Forums include Global Entrepreneurial Leadership Forum @ Babson, TEDxBabsonCollege, and Babson Sustainability Forum, all allowing you to meet industry experts and changemakers from around the world.