Seniors Prepare for Graduation

WWritten by Morgan Kashinsky, Reporting by Ashley Bowden and Jada Butler

Staff Writer, Co-Editors-In-Chief

Seniors are looking forward to graduating on May 10 of the spring 2019 semester. Those eligible for commencement include students in graduate, professional and dual-degree programs, and the deadline to register for graduation was Feb. 22.

“I’m really excited for all of my family to be here to celebrate something that I’ve worked so hard for, they’ve been a huge part of this journey,” Elise Strange, senior psychology major said about the commencement ceremony. After graduating, she hopes to attend a graduate program in Virginia.

The March 15 deadline to reserve your cap and gown online has passed, however reservations can still be made at the campus bookstore. In order to participate in commencement, as well as pick up a reserved cap and gown, students must be in good financial standing with the university.

Senior journalism major Dondre Lemon is excited to prepare for graduation and to try on the cap and gown he recently ordered. “I’m looking forward to getting off the island, definitely, and going to grad school,” Lemon said. “It’s like ending one chapter and starting a new one.” Lemon will attend Iona College for sports communications and media.

Graduates should make sure to verify the spelling of their name to printed on their diploma. This can be done by logging onto my.liu.edu. Once logged on, click the “Degree Progress/Graduation.” From there, choose “View Graduation status.” Two more links under “Student Information” will allow students to edit the way their name will be printed on their degree, as well as update the address to which it will be sent. If you will be moving off-campus, make sure to give an address where your diploma can be shipped.

Senior musical theatre major Julia Vaughn anticipates attending her final company class as part of the Post Theatre Company. “I get to see what I’m leaving behind and know that it’s going to be okay because generations before and after us have been okay without their seniors,” Vaughn said. “It’s like graduating from the company as opposed to graduating from the university.”

“I’m definitely going to miss the friendships I’ve made in college,” Elise Strange, senior psychology major, said. “Attending college out of state is such an amazing experience, but leaving these people behind is so hard.”

A graduation fair will be held in Hillwood Commons from 11 a.m. 7 p.m. on April 16 and 17. During this time, students can pick up their cap and gown, order a class ring, and meet with representatives from various departments.

Handicapped reservations for the commencement service, as well as various other information is available at www.liu.edu/Post/ Commencement. The ceremony will be one to remember for all students. “It’s major. Just walking across the stage, being handed my diploma; it shows I accomplished something,” Lemon said.