During a discussion about the end of year event in the General Assembly of Feb. 12, one student urged other students in attendance to see the gala aspect of the event as one of only a handful of NYU Abu Dhabi traditions, and that this aspect should be continued in this year’s event and in future events.

In many ways, that student is right. NYUAD’s first class arrived in Abu Dhabi only in 2010. In such a short time period, few celebrations have attained the label of a tradition. This presents problems for students trying to forge a collective identity. As in national and cultural celebrations, traditions bring groups of people together in one, albeit complex, identity. With just over half-a-dozen years behind us as an institution, those celebrations that have become traditions gain an elevated sense of importance.

As the last class of the Sama Tower/DTC generation graduates this spring, it will be worth reflecting on which traditions NYUAD collectively wants to hold on to, and which ones will stay in the memory of these earlier generations. Open Mic used to be one of the few events that brought together the entire university. Somewhat similarly, Town Halls with the Dean of Students, Vice Chancellor or other members of the administration might’ve been a tradition that has waned in recent years, although they were probably never thought of as a celebration.

In their place new traditions might already be taking shape, some of which take the form of celebration. The Pakistan Student Association’s Mock Wedding is in preparations for its third installment, and Open Studios, which was first staged in fall 2015, could continue for many years to come.

This week, The Gazelle looks into celebrations and traditions, both close to home and across the world. With this issue, we hope to encourage NYUAD students and the community to think deeply about what makes a celebration and what constitutes a tradition, and what might happen when one becomes the other.