By JULIE M. BRADFORD
More than 4,000 students attended the senior celebration last weekend that included local bands, food and free prizes.
“We felt the party was an enormous success and we learned a lot, especially since it was the first time,” said Ida Smith, administrator of alumni activities. “This was the first annual senior celebration and we plan on doing this every year.”
Traditionally a banquet has been served in the ballroom to all graduating seniors. However, because of construction and the capacity restrictions, the Student Alumni Association wanted to entertain more people and provide a free event. The idea for a senior celebration under the stadium came about when Smith wanted to organize a special thank-you event for the seniors to show appreciation to them, said Charlene Winters, BYU public communications spokesperson.
There were hundreds of pizzas, sandwiches, hamburgers, etc., that were provided, Winters said. Local entertainers such as Johnny B, Vocal Point and Peter Brienholt also performed. The BYU Bookstore presented discounts on merchandise and there were also donated prizes such as televisions, certificates for furniture, 100 Franklin planners, dinner coupons and plane tickets, Winters said.
Greg Weeks, a junior from Sandy majoring in information systems and business management, went with his fiancee, who is a senior.
“I talked to some students who graduated last year and they were envious that they didn’t have a similar party,” Weeks said. “I will definitely go again next year.”
BYU President Merrill J. Bateman and football coach LaVell Edwards were also there to speak with the students and provide photo opportunities with the students. The academic vice presidents and faculty who have received awards attended the celebration to serve the food to the seniors.
“I think it was cool that the administration put on an event to show their appreciation for the students. It was a good finish for an outstanding year,” said James Viray, a senior from Houston majoring in international relations. “It was really cold, but I had a good time watching Vocal Point and the other bands, which helped me keep my mind off the weather.”
Brad Crist, a senior from Bountiful majoring in economics, also enjoyed the party.
“I had just failed a test before I went to the party, however, the senior celebration put me in a good mood. I thought the party was a good idea and I got to see other graduating seniors. This party gave seniors the sense that graduation is approaching and gave closure to the year,” said Brad Crist, a senior from Bountiful majoring in economics.
Stephen Whyte, president of the Student Alumni Association and graduating class, served on the senior celebration committee.
“I think the event went well and was a big success. The attendance was fantastic and students, administration, deans and faculty attended. Everyone who went enjoyed it,” Whyte said.
Justin Stratton, the chair for the senior celebration, said he was happy for how things went for the first year.
“We had problems with long lines so we will be working on having shorter lines next year,” Stratton said. “We will also raise the stage so that people can see better and then schedule the date in hopes of better weather. Next year we plan on having the senior video as well.”
