Story by Kara Wheeler, Reporter

Photos courtesy of Aquinas College

As is the case with every semester at Aquinas College, the closing of the spring semester marks an important milestone and an unprecedented beginning for graduating seniors. It’s again time for the senior class to order their caps and gowns, turn in final papers and projects, set the schedule for incoming family and make sure all loose ends are tied up before they begin their lives after graduation.

The 2022 Senior Baccalaureate Mass will take place on May 7 at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. Following the mass, commencement will take place at 2 p.m. at our Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center, marking the end of the senior class’ time at Aquinas.

Each graduate is to receive three tickets to the in-person commencement ceremony and has the option to claim two additional tickets to one of the alternate viewing areas on campus. All others who would like to watch the ceremony may do so on a professional livestream provided by Aquinas College. Afterwards, the recording of the ceremony will be available on Aquinas’s YouTube channel to be viewed anytime. 

Aquinas is hosting multiple events around campus in addition to graduation, to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class while gearing up for the big day.

GradFest is the one-stop spot for seniors to obtain all of their graduation necessities. This open-house style event will take place on April 25 at the Wege Ballroom and will provide students with the opportunity to acquire honor cords and cultural stoles, obtain more information on the Baccalaureate Mass, pick up tickets for commencement and enjoy a root beer float bar. 

Toast to the Tassel is a free event exclusively for the class of 2022 at 6 p.m. on May 5. It’s a cocktail-attire celebration of graduates held by the AQ Alumni Association, which will provide wine tasting with food pairings as well as a champagne toast. Advance registration is required for this special event with an RSVP due April 28.

This spring, there is no lack of events and activities to celebrate the graduates’ accomplishments, and it’s evident that Aquinas College feels a sense of gratitude towards the class of 2022. After a year of adjusting to a new normal when it comes to the typical college experience, the senior class must again face a new challenge, but this one provides access to a world of new experiences and opportunities.