Good weather brings out seniors

After four long years toiling away behind a computer or in a lecture hall, all a student can ask for is a 70-degree day, music and free stuff.\nThat's exactly what the class of 2004 got Thursday. \nThe IU Alumni Association and IU Student Foundation sponsored a senior day for all of IU's most tenured undergrads to kick back and relax before the stress of finals kicks in. \nThe day featured free food, a raffle, music from Dave and Rae and free gifts from each student's school. But more than anything, the event gave the students a time and place to enjoy a beautiful day with friends.\n"This is great," senior Shannon Murphy said. "It's a celebration of all our achievements, finally being done and going out into the real world. It's a good way to end our college career."\nThe day kicked off with IU-Bloomington Interim Chancellor Ken Gros Louis dedicating the class of 2004's tree. Gros Louis then stuck around to mingle with students and give them a proper send-off.\n"I think it's important for them to see the chancellor of the University thinks enough of the senior class to come out and dedicate their tree," he said.\nEach student then signed up for a raffle and a chance to win an autographed soccer ball from former head soccer coach Jerry Yeagley, an autographed football from head football coach Gerry DiNardo, gift certificates, a four-hour limo ride, a one-night stay at the Indiana Memorial Union Hotel and Conference Center and the grand prizes of a free class ring and a lifetime membership to the Alumni Association. \nWhile every student had the opportunity to win a lifetime membership, they were each given a one-year membership. President and CEO of the association Ken Beckley said he hopes the students will see good reason to stay connected with IU.\n"The success of a university depends on the alumni," Beckley said. "Faculty, staff and students are extremely important but alumni help bring the dollars to the University."\nWhile the day was one of the most successful in its seven-year history, some felt the numbers could have been better.\n"More people should be involved," senior Jennifer Rice said. "I didn't know about this until (my roommate) came home and said something, so a lot (of students) don't know."\nEach student also received appreciation from their individual schools as tables were set up around a tent with free gifts. T-shirts, mugs and other souvenirs were available from each school for their soon-to-be graduates.\nWhen the event started in 1997, roughly 80 seniors were in attendance. This year's event saw bigger numbers than that waiting for pizza. Gros Louis said the turnaround is a great sign for seniors and the University as a whole.\n"Whether they came for the free food or the nice day, it is an event that is relatively new but has already become a tradition," he said.\n-- Contact senior writer Brian Janosch at bjanosch@indiana.edu.