On Thursday, May 18, the Birmingham-Southern College Class of 2023 participated in one of the College’s most beloved traditions: The annual Capping Ceremony that precedes commencement. 

At BSC, Capping marks the transition from student to graduate. The ceremony includes the mortar board —  a vestige of the medieval scholar’s costume, and an important symbol in academic life.  

The term “mortar board” for these hats first appeared in the mid-19th century, and comes from the resemblance of the hat to the small square board or metal plate on which a bricklayer carries mortar.  

In the Capping ceremony, each candidate receives a cap — the mortar board — as a mark both of significant academic achievement and a lifelong commitment to the love of learning. The cap is placed by someone the student has selected—  an honor for the “capper” as well as for the “cappee.” 

The Class of 2023 selected its cappers from a range of roles in their lives. Many students chose a parent; others asked grandparents, aunts and uncles, and siblings to process with them and place their mortar boards. At least one chose a generous benefactor who had helped make her BSC education possible. Another was capped by her husband and their young daughter. 

A significant number of the seniors chose BSC faculty and staff as their cappers, representing the relationships forged over four years together. 

Capping was preceded by the College’s annual Baccalaureate service at Canterbury United Methodist Church, at which the Rev. Brian Erickson ‘97, senior pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church and a BSC trustee, delivered the address.