Last week graduating students had a chance to get everything prepared for graduation in one place. Grad Fair took place in the Alumni Center on North Campus Oct. 12 and 13. The event was held to help students navigate through the graduation process without hassle.

As students entered the room, they were able to make their way around to each table, gathering important information from Career Services, Balfour and Auxiliary Services and were offered a copy of Le Souvenir yearbook. They could order class rings, invitations and stationary as well as be fitted for their graduation robes and take their senior head shots.

Other vendors present at the event were La Capitol Credit Union, and the University Bookstore, which offered Southeastern merchandise, including mugs, blankets, key chains and frames.  

“Students feel we have the best pricing and options for invitations,” said Karen Cockerham, site coordinator for the Document Source on campus. “And if they don’t get the chance to order them here, they can do so at the store up until Nov. 30.”

“We did okay with sales this year,” said Courtney Hunt, a student pursuing a Master of business administration degree, who worked the table with Cockerham.

Students had the opportunity to take their yearbook picture in cap and gown and sign up to receive a proof of their photos. There was also the option of buying shadow box frames for their diplomas.

Students, parents and alumni had the opportunity to purchase a personalized brick for $100 to be placed in Friendship Circle. This initiative is called Project Friendship and was represented at Grad Fair.

“The bricks are personalized with whatever the purchaser wants to say on it,” said Ashley Gjersten, a senior marketing student who worked the table for Project Friendship. “I believe what will be most common is the student’s name and graduation year.”

Students mostly seemed to enjoy the all-inclusiveness of Grad Fair. There was an average attendance of about 600 students, with about 375 students present on the first day of the event, one of the largest first day turnouts in history.

“I love having everything in one place,” said Michele Hernandez, a senior majoring in family and consumer sciences. “There are no problems and everything is just easier.”

Students who did not have a chance to attend Grad Fair but would like to have a yearbook photo taken can visit the yearbook office in the Student Union, room 211E, the week after Homecoming.