Tufts Community Day Hosts 2,500 Neighbors on the Hill

Under sunny skies, Tufts University once again opened its campus to the community for its annual Tufts Community Day on October 5. 2,500 residents from Tufts' host communities of Medford and Somerville gathered on the Academic Quad with students, faculty, and staff for this longstanding tradition celebrating civic partnership and neighborhood engagement.

Included among the 40 community organizations from Medford and Somerville were the Medford Farmer's Market, Somerville Museum, and the Elizabeth Peabody House, alongside dozens of other nonprofits and municipal resources sharing information as part of the event. Also participating were more than 40 Tufts organizations and groups, including student organizations, academic departments, research projects, and Tufts Athletics.

A dozen Tufts performing arts groups entertained visitors with music, dance, and theater throughout the afternoon. Returning this year, the School of Honk brought its signature flair with a vibrant parade that wound through the Quad before arriving at the statue of Jumbo the Elephant, to the delight of attendees.

By the end of the day, the celebration produced some impressive numbers: 600 pounds of mini-pumpkins painted, 300 balloon animals twisted, and 10 gallons of bubbles blown, along with hundreds of high-fives given by Tufts' mascot, Jumbo.

Tufts University President Sunil Kumar met with members of the community. Photo: Alonso Nichols

The Medford Fire Department managed a simulated burning house so that community members could learn how to best handle the situation if it were to happen to them. Photo: Alonso Nichols

HYPE! Mimez were one of 12 Tufts student groups who performed at Community Day. Photo: Alonso Nichols

A four-legged robot run by Tufts' Human-Robot Interaction Lab drew a crowd of fascinated onlookers. Photo: Alonso Nichols

Community members visited tables run by Tufts participants as well as Medford and Somerville community partners, and took part in arts and crafts, science demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and more. Photo: Alonso Nichols

Say cheese! Community Day made for lots of photo opportunities for families and community members. Photo: Alonso Nichols

"The university looks forward to Tufts Community Day every year," said Rocco DiRico, executive director of Tufts' Office of Government and Community Relations. "We are fortunate to see hundreds of familiar faces year after year, at the same time that we're delighted to welcome new friends and families to experience this celebration of campus and community."

As always, Tufts Community Day was free and open to the public, with complimentary lunch provided by Tufts Dining. "The event is a joyful reminder of the strong, enduring relationships between Tufts University and its host communities, made all the brighter by a beautiful fall day on the Hill," said DiRico.