Class of ’25 enters the 100-day home stretch

FILIPPOS MOURIKIS
STAFF WRITER

2/17/2025

As we hit the halfway mark of the Winter 2025 semester, the Class of ‘25 begins to wind down their final semester at Alma College. The college is holding events throughout the semester for seniors, leading all the way up to the heavily awaited day of Commencement.   

One of the first milestones in this journey was the 100-Day Celebration on Jan. 9, marking the countdown to graduation. This countdown provides seniors with a chance to reflect, celebrate and create lasting memories before they walk across the stage.  

Jan. 9 officially kicked off the last 100 days for Alma College seniors before they graduate in April. Among the events leading up to graduation is “March Forth on the Fourth,” which features a special champagne and sparkling cider toast for seniors. During this event, students can visit the graduation expo to pick up their senior gifts, get commencement ticket information and even enter a raffle to win an alumni sweatshirt.     

As Commencement approaches, seniors will also have opportunities to prepare for life beyond college during Career Week which will be held on March 17 through March 21. This week features several professional development events, including a Resume Café on Monday, two Career Fair Preps on Tuesday and Wednesday, a Professional Headshot Day on Thursday and ends with the Spring Career Fair on Friday. 

As seniors reflect on their time at Alma, they are soaking in all the experiences that have shaped their college journey. While the excitement of graduation is mixed with nostalgia, there is also a collective eagerness for what comes next.

“I am feeling excited for the future and ready to move on to the next part of my life. The last four years were amazing, and Alma College made sure to prepare me for the next chapter,” said Paul Gadde (‘25).

The events leading up to commencement help ease this transition, providing moments of celebration and closure before stepping into the next phase of life. These moments allow seniors to fully embrace this special time.

“I do feel satisfied with what Alma is doing for its seniors. Overall, I’m excited to go through the process and take everything in because you only get to do it once,” said Nishant Khairnar (‘25).     

Some of the most heartwarming events are set to take place the day before the actual graduation ceremony on April 18; these include the final Commencement Rehearsal where all graduating students perform a walk-through of the Commencement ceremony and lineup. 

Then seniors can also attend the Baccalaureate, a special service that invites graduates, friends, family and supporters to honor the upcoming Commencement. 

Lastly, the Senior Celebration is a night to have fun with heavy appetizers, games and photo opportunities where even family members and supporters can join with a fee.      

Finally, on April 19, the Commencement Ceremony will take place in the Art Smith Arena of the Hogan Center at 2 p.m., marking the grand finale of the 100-day celebration for seniors.

Alma College has guided its seniors through four challenging and transformative years, making their last 100 days just as special.

“I wish I had been more grateful for the time because, when you look back, it goes by so fast. You can’t take anything for granted, because before you know it, it’s over and you’re on to the next thing,” said Emily Patzkowsky (‘25).