Monmouth College has traditionally celebrated Scots Day each spring, and as the new millennium begins, that day has a new name – Ceileidgh (prounounced KAY-lee), which is Gaelic for gathering or festival.

The college-wide celebration will be held April 18 to coincide with the date that Monmouth College (originally Monmouth Academy) was founded in 1853. The name "Ceileidgh" was chosen to reflect on the college’s Scottish heritage.

"Our hope is to build upon this Ceileidgh next year and the year after, so that by the time of the college’s sesquicentennial (in 2003), we really have a wonderful, meaningful celebration of all that is best about Monmouth College and those associated with it," said Professor Stacy Cordery, the faculty representative on the Ceileidgh committee.

Ceileidgh events begin at 7 a.m. with a softball tournament and will conclude at 11 p.m. as a three-hour concert by Blue Ash Ink winds up in Glennie Gym. Other events include the Flatland Games (MC’s version of the world-wide Highland Games), golf and volleyball tourneys, Scottish food and performances by The Sound of Five and the Monmouth Community Band.

There will be several lead-in events to the big day, including a Robert Burns Night and Scottish films in The Underground the week prior, and a Ceileidgh Eve performance featuring the student improv group Anvil Head Theatre and several campus bands.

On April 15, Highland Games veteran Bob McCaunneghey will give a demonstration of the games beginning at 1 p.m. in the quad area between the Glennie Gym and Stockdale Center.

The College Republicans are commemorating the celebration with T-shirts, which are available for $10 in sizes L, XL and XXL. The shirts will be available by April 17.

Released by the Office of College Communications
Barry McNamara, Associate Director of College Communications
Phone: 309-457-2117
Fax: 309-457-2330

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