Seniors prep for departure at grad fair

Becoming a member of the Alumni Association has not crossed the minds of many students.

But with graduation less than two months away, it is on the to-do lists of many seniors.

Ordering announcements, inquiring about commencement tickets and purchasing a class ring are on that same list - not to mention the little details, such as choosing a framing style for diplomas and a photo package for the commencement ceremony.

The Graduation Fair gives seniors the chance to check all of these things off of their lists in one trip.

The second annual Graduation Fair, sponsored by the Michigan Union Bookstore, started today on the ground floor of the Union. Different departments and groups set-up booths together so that seniors would have all the information they need in one are

DANA LINNANE/Daily Business student Kyle Lin picks out his class ring at the Graduation Fair sponsored by the Michigan Union Bookstore yesterday at the Michigan Union.

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Like many others, Engineering senior Kevin Gudeth relied on the fair to help him start preparing for graduation.

"I haven't been planning for graduation," Gudeth said. "This is saving my life."

Even though Gudeth has not decided on what to do after graduation, he said he is getting excited about no longer being a student. Gudeth said he can't wait to get into the working world.

"I'm not a theory person. I'm a hands-on person," Gudeth said.

Engineering senior Fernando Jimenez also said the Fair is helpful because all of the information seniors need for graduation is centrally located. He said he also is excited about his departure in May.

"I've outstayed my welcome at the University of Michigan," Jimenez said.

But for many others, leaving provokes mixed emotions.

Kinesiology senior Aimee Remigio said it is hard to believe graduation is almost here.

"It is both exciting and nerve racking," Remigio said. "Up until now, my life has been planned out. Now, I don't have any plans."

Remigio, like many other students, is still searching for a job. She said she would like to work in either New York or Chicago.

LSA senior Kristyna Rabassa said that even though planning for graduation is hectic, she is more laid back this semester than in the past.

"I feel old, but it is a good feeling," Rabassa said. "I feel independent - like I accomplished something."

The hardest thing about leaving the University will be adjusting to a new life elsewhere, Rabassa said.

Rabassa said she is going to have to start from the bottom and work her way back up.

Remigio said that leaving the close knit group of friends she has made in the past four years will be most difficult part of graduation.

Kelly Cairnes, Bree Bowersox and Patricia Mariani, Engineering seniors who attended the fair, also said that leaving each other will be hard.

"We are doing a lot of partying with friends before we leave," Cairnes said.

Right now, Cairnes is fighting "senioritis" by trying to stay focused on the rest of the term, she said. Cairnes said she is concentrating on preparations for commencement.

Jennifer Gracki, Michigan Union Bookstore operations manager, said many students have taken time to concentrate on preparations by attending the Graduation Fair.

"The response has been good," Gracki said. "We have been busy all day long."

Gracki said the fair will continue in future years. Starting next fall, there will also be a Graduation Fair for December commencement.

The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through tomorrow in the basement of the Union.

03-12-98