By Abby Kozal, Culture Editor
Seniors at GradFest 2025 – Photo by Abby Kozal
Graduating seniors celebrated their upcoming commencement at GradFest 2025 in the Wege Ballroom. Two sessions were held from 12-2 p.m. and 5-7p.m. where students could pick up commencement items, ask questions and celebrate their achievements at Aquinas.
Each senior received 6 tickets to the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, which will be held on May 10 at 2 p.m. in the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center. While at GradFest, seniors picked up their regalia, honors cords, stoles and a free welcome gift from the Alumni Association.
As a part of GradFest, students were given a table checklist, which acts as a punch card for a raffle hosted by the Alumni Association. Students visit each table stationed in the Wege Ballroom and receive a stamp on their punch card. Once complete, students turn in their card to enter the raffle.
Some tables, like Financial Aid’s, gave the future graduates information on how to manage student debt and repay loans after Aquinas. Others, like the Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity, gave out cultural sashes for students to wear at commencement.
Maddie Bocian, a senior at Aquinas, expressed her eagerness for graduation. “I’m most excited to see my friends, and to walk across the stage,” Bocian said. “To celebrate all the hard work we’ve been doing, and to feel the weight lifted off my shoulders.”
Pizza and pop was also provided for graduates attending GradFest. Many students gathered around to eat, take photos and share their excitement for graduation.
“I am so excited to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments, and the fact we all made it to graduation,” senior Drew Huegli said. “It’s amazing that we all got to go through this experience together and grow as a people and as a community.”
Many, like Huegli, are also excited about future possibilities for post-graduation. “I am looking forward to starting my internship as a DEI intern with Broadband Astound,” Huegli said. “I’m super excited for the new opportunities I will have over the summer and to get to spend more time with my friends and family.”
For those unable to secure tickets to this year’s commencement ceremony, Aquinas will be livestreaming the event. Viewing rooms will be held in the Wege Ballroom and Loutit Room.
Outside Wege Student Center – Photo by Abby Kozal
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