Graduating seniors put their names in a raffle at the "Lion4Life Launch," formerly known as "Senior Send-Off." Zachary Araki/The Lion's Roar
The Alumni Association hosted a celebratory party for seniors before they graduate.
“Lion4Life Launch,” formerly the “Senior Send-Off,” was held on Dec. 7 on the first floor of the Strawberry Stadium Parking Garage starting at 2:30 p.m. The seniors mingled at the party with food trucks, door prizes and Lion Up beer.
“This is our way to celebrate the graduating seniors' accomplishments and launch them into the next phase of their life,” said Executive Director of Alumni Relations Michelle Biggs. “Whether they immediately enter the work force, decide to go to grad school or decide to serve their country, they should remember that they are always lions for life.”
Senior sports management major Cedric Leblanc shared his thoughts about the event.
“I actually like the event,” said Leblanc. “Of course, I like free things, and in college, we don’t get a lot of free stuff, so I think they’re sending us out right with the food trucks and the door prizes that they’re giving out for free, the raffles. Everything’s pretty good.”
Senior general studies major Devin Holck discussed why he went to the “Lion4Life Launch” party.
“It’s my lunch break at work, and I wanted one last extracurricular activity before I head on out,” said Holck.
Leblanc shared his thoughts about graduating.
“I’m speechless actually,” said Leblanc. “I don’t know. It seems like I did a whole lot, but at the same time, I feel like I’m just getting started, got a lot more schooling to go. I appreciate my time here at Southeastern. I love every moment of it.”
Senior general studies major John Duplantier discussed finishing his undergraduate years.
“It took me a particularly long time to get here, so I’m very happy about it,” said Duplantier. “I’m very excited. I don’t know, mixed feelings because it’s not all great. It took a long time, but at the same time, I’m happy it’s over.”
Biggs offered a message to the graduating seniors as they become alumni.
“We would like to encourage them to stay connected to the university, and the way to do that is through the Alumni Association,” said Biggs. “We have programs and events that will help them to connect with over 60,000 alumni across the country, which is always advantageous out in the working world.”
Holck’s plans for after graduation include finding new work.
“I don’t want to continue doing what I’m doing now,” said Holck. “I’d rather find something new, so I’ll be doing a lot of that. Before the end of the year hopefully, I’ll find something new.”
Duplantier discussed his post-graduation plan.
“I’m in the MBA program here, and I plan on finishing that and working in business, finance, economics or maybe in academia again, not really sure,” said Duplantier.
