This weekend, the College turned on the famous "green light" in Baker Library's tower, an old tradition of unknown origin.
The green light, which is turned on for major weekends, is often referred to by students as the "money light" because it is lit on occasions that attract many College alumni.
On Dartmouth Night this past Friday, the green light was turned on and stayed on through the night, according to John Gratiot, associate director of Facilities, Operations and Management.
"The light is turned on based on requests from the Events Office," Gratiot said. The light, located in Baker's tower above the bells, is visible from all sides of the tower, he said.
Although the tradition has been going on for many years, no official record of it exists except for a photocopy of a hand-written note from the business affairs office.
In Oct. 1975, a list of events during which the "green lantern" would be lit was compiled by Jack Skewes, then director of business affairs.
The events listed include Convocation, Dartmouth Night, Winter Carnival Weekend, Green Key Weekend, Freshman Parents Weekend, Commencement, Class Officers Weekend, Club Officers Weekend, Alumni Council Weekend, Trustee meetings and class reunions.
