Saint Mary's seniors celebrated their last days on campus with a week of activities that allowed them to gather as a class one last time.
Senior class president, Silvia Cuevas, said her class board tried to make this year's Senior Week events as universally pleasing as possible.
"I have a total of 10 board members and I really tried to pick individuals from each circle of friends on campus," Cuevas said. "I really asked for their input and opened the floor to them. I think we came up with some pretty good ideas and events."
She said about 300 of her classmates, double the amount of people who participated in the week last year, registered for the Senior Week events,
"The majority of our class registered for the week's events," Cuevas said. "We only have 385 in our class, so it is exciting that almost 300 people signed up. I call that a success."
Cuevas said the week kicked off on Monday with the Alumnae Champagne Brunch.
"This is a tradition and is usually a lot of the seniors favorite event," Cuevas said. "The Alumnae Association officially welcomed us as alumnae of the College."
Senior Sydnie Corso said the alumnae brunch was emotional and she was glad she was able to spend it with her classmates.
"I couldn't help but start crying during the Belles of Saint Mary's song," Corso said. "It really hit me. I am an alumna."
Senior Alison Meagher said she is looking forward to carrying out the College's mission as an alumna.
"This brunch was a great way to celebrate our last four years at Saint Mary's," Meagher said. "It feels sad to leave, but I am looking forward to applying the skills I have learned here to the rest of my life. I can't wait to give back to the College that has shaped me so much."
On Monday, the group also participated in the official "Closing of the Circle" ceremony outside of Le Mans Hall.
"We lit candles and did the opening as a class when we were freshmen. It is just fitting to do the closing as seniors," senior Sarah McLain said. "It is a tradition and closing the circle in front of Le Mans [Hall] is just so Saint Mary's."
The group also attended a Cubs game in Chicago.
"Wrigley field is just awesome," senior Alyssa Carty said. "I am a huge professional baseball fan and that was by far my favorite Senior Week event."
On Tuesday, the group enjoyed a party on the island outside of Hager Parlor. They also started a new tradition of placing their painted handprints in the Le Mans tunnel.
"We have officially left our mark on Saint Mary's," Cuevas said. "Our handprints will forever be in the tunnel for future classes to see."
The group also toured the Round Barn Winery in Baroda, Mich.
"I love wine and hanging out with my Smicks," senior Caroline Keep said. "The two together make for a great combination."
Senior Brittani Hradsky said her favorite event will be the Second City Comedy Club event in Chicago.
"Hands down my favorite event will be Second City," Hradsky said. "If Tina Fey got her start there then it must be quality stuff."
Cuevas said she is blessed to be graduating from Saint Mary's and could not ask for a better class to celebrate this week with.
"As a freshman we did icebreakers during orientation week, now we are breaking out the tissues and celebrating our many accomplishments," Cuevas said.
Contact Kaitlyn Rabach at krabac01@saintmarys.edu