House System
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Inspired by the British tradition of placing students in houses to foster community, camaraderie, and friendly competition, New College has established four houses — An Doras, Rowan, Sinai, and Trinity.
Houses are led by faculty & student officers, meet together regularly for fellowship, and are a mix of students from different years. Students are sorted by lot during freshmen orientation, drawing their house from the House Cup. Each year, the houses compete in a House Cup Competition, featuring activities from a 5K to a poetry competition. Read more about each house below!
An Doras House
An Doras House hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Day Feast. This celebration is an occasion to eat a traditional Irish meal cooked by students, listen to traditional Irish music played by students, and compete in a limerick competition. An Doras house also holds a costume and pie baking competition in the fall.
Motto: In Omnibus, Facetia et Festivitate
Head of House: Mr. Nathan Johnson
Symbol: The Door
Color: Green
Patron Saint: St. Patrick
Virtues: Hospitality, Generosity, and Good Humor
Rowan House
Rowan House has taken charge of the Founders Day celebration, marking the official inauguration of the college, held as the St. George’s Day feast including traditional Turkish foods. Rowan also hosts the scavenger hunt in the fall.
Motto: Veritas et Charitas Cum Audax
Head of House: Mr. Greg Wilbur
Symbol: The Rowan Tree
Colors: Black, Silver, and Crimson
Patron Saint: St. George
Virtues: Truth, Love, and Courage
Trinity House
Trinity House kicks off the school year with the annual St. Augustine’s Feast including barbecue and dancing. They also host a game night in the spring.
Motto: Sola Gratia Vincit
Head of House: Mr. Brandon Spun
Symbol: The Three Towers of the Fortress Church
Colors: Blue and White
Patron Saint: St. Augustine
Virtues: Grace, Fealty, and Zeal
Sinai House
Sinai House is our newest house, currently in its second year. They host St. Catherine’s Day Feast in the fall, complete with a trivia tournament.
Motto: Diligite Iustitiam Qui Iudicatis Terram
Head of House: Dr. Carolyn Weber
Symbol: The Ten Commandments
Colors: Purple, Gold
Patron Saint: St. Catherine of Alexandria
Virtues: Wisdom, Meekness, and Wit
Which house will you be sorted into?
Apply now to find out — it only takes 10 mins!
