In the midst of graduation, seniors walking through the Diag yesterday concerned themselves less with the looming threat of final exams and more with sumo-wrestling, blue skies, moon-walks and ice cream.
Senior Days '98, a committee run by a group of student leaders as part of the Office of Student Activities and Leadership, has been organizing events throughout the semester to commemorate the seniors' final term as undergraduates. Today's and yesterday's Senior Diag Days are one of the final events of the Senior Days '98 program.
"We're bringing things to a close, a culmination for seniors," said LSA senior Scott Lyons, a member of the Senior Days '98 committee. "Everyone is having a good time and relaxing."
Free ice cream, alumni club information, games and live music were provided by the sponsors.
The Alumni Association, one of the sponsors, set up several tables to assist seniors with post-graduate decisions. Their stands consisted of various University alumni clubs from different U.S. cities.
The clubs give students a gateway "to keep in contact with people from the University ... keep(ing) the University spirit alive," said University alumna Cheryl Stevens, vice president of the University of Michigan Alumni Club in Dallas.
About 100 students gathered near the steps of the Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library to enjoy the music of the live bands.
"We're playing for people walking by, bidding seniors good luck and good-bye," said LSA first-year student David Schwartz, a member of the opening band Souled Out.
Although the events were intended for seniors, ice cream bars were handed out to all students.
"We're here for the seniors, but I haven't tried to say no to anyone ... no I.D. required today," said Regional Alumni Relations Coordinate Annie Beekley, who distributed ice cream.
Other activities required some participation by passersby in the Diag.
Engineering sophomore Matthew Berden was one of many students who strapped on a heavy suit to challenge a friend in sumo wrestling. "We might have to skip class to break our tie," Berden said.
Other spectators said the weather and fun games added to a happy atmosphere. "It's nice to see all the smiles," said LSA sophomore Bradley Monash.
Some seniors said they wanted to relish the bitter-sweetness of the event and their final days at the University.
"I'm sad - actually I have really mixed emotions," said LSA senior Joy Bivens.
LSA senior Basil Alwattar said he and Bivens were in the same first-year orientation and they are "ready to move on, but it's sad."
Senior Diag Days will continue today from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
04-21-98
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