Two defining moments of the society in any given year occured in th efall and the spring. A fall exhibition and an annual anniversary celebration at commencement marked the highlights of the societies activities through the year. The commencement celebration featured an invited guest- usually a famous American- who presented an oration. Ralph Waldo Emerson was this featured speaker in 1845. These celebrations also allowed selected members of the Philomathesian to showcase their rhetorical skills in a debate format. The society selected a question of moral, philosphical, or political significance for debate between different members of the group. Other highlights at these celebrations were musical pieces, and literary recitations.