On Thursday, Oct. 16, Keene State College Commencement hosted the first-ever Senior Kickoff for the graduating class of 2027, sponsored by Pepsi. This event was an opportunity for graduating seniors to get questions answered about what happens toward the end of college and what happens after college.
Adsel Sparrow, coordinator for campus traditions, provided insight on the event and why it was put on.
“We noticed that the communication with graduating seniors does not often begin until second semester, and we wanted to capture seniors early and get some of their questions answered,” Sparrow said.
“[We wanted to] kind of establish what is commencement, what is graduation and how do you get there on time with the remaining year you have left and also offer a chance to celebrate them now. It is an exciting year; it is the last time,” Sparrow added.
About four tables were laid out along the atrium of the Student Center. The tables provided answers to questions posed by graduating seniors and gave information for graduating seniors and some juniors as well.
Free food was provided to everyone who attended or walked by the event, such as cookies with “Class of 2027” written on them. Pins, stickers, etc. were given out at the event and students were able to enter a raffle to win a free sash, cap and gown for commencement.
A lot of students came with a friend or a group of friends. When walking around the event, students had a sheet of paper that got stamped for every table they went to.
Seniors were in and out of the event, gathering information and getting all of their questions answered. Two seniors, Alexis Page and Dario Sidilau, were on their way out after going to every table to get their questions answered.
“I came to the event because it was class of 27 and I had questions about graduation audits and then I had questions about cap and gown,” said Page.
“I came to the event because I wanted to hear about what was going on with financial aid options and career services, like applying to grad school and stuff like that,” said Sidilau.
Some juniors also attended the event so they could get information ahead of time before their senior year.
One junior, Conner Young, said he scanned the event and was able to get some flyers to take home for the future.
“I came here because I am very interested in looking for grad schools in the future that are close by and somewhat cheap. I have a bunch of flyers, and it’s awesome,” said Young.
Arianna Young can be contacted at
ayoung@kscequinox.com
