Graduating seniors reminisce about IU

This year's graduating seniors are leaving IU with the knowledge of the past four years. They've witnessed change, turmoil and national and local despair. They've also lived through the personal changes that shape a graduate leaving the Bloomington campus. Through the Main Library, into Kilroy's and down the Jordan extention, an array of seniors share profound moments of their college careers.\nAmber Zehner, graduating communication and culture and political science major, spent her remaining hours as an undergrad cramming for finals in the fluorescent-lit lobby of the Main Library. Racking her brain for those last words as an IU senior, the memories of 2001's Final Four celebration jarred her memory.\n"Aside from the partying, the fact is, everyone remembers exactly where they were when we beat Duke," Zehner said. \nZehner's study buddy and graduating telecommunications major Brent Hatherill agrees, but doesn't fail to offer insight of his own.\n"Let's be honest, Teen Keira was a definite highlight," he said.\nAfter exchanging thoughts about the journey to graduation, both Zehner and Hatherill can't help but get caught up in the memories. The two accidentally forget about their grueling study session, and find themselves sharing in genuine laughter after reflecting on the college moments they had almost forgotten. \nMoving further into the depths of the Information Commons, seniors Michael Allen and Josh Spencer reflect on the woes of a semester of A201, and the love of the Kirkwood strip. \nSpencer, a graduating economics major, breaks out of study mode to conjure up his final goodbyes. \n"Kilroy's. I love Kilroy's. I will always love Kilroy's."\nBut for those who actually enjoyed a frosty brew at the beloved Kilroy's this Wednesday evening, graduating psychology major Mike LaMonica proved a man of more words. \n"I filled out the very last question of a week of finals today," he said. "I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe it was really over."\nLaMonica also remembers the chaos of 2001's Final Four, but dedicated most of his memory to the confusion and student emotion of 9/11.\n"I was watching this disaster happen, right in front of me. But it was so hard to believe. You assume that people have been evacuated, saved. You assume things are still okay," said LaMonica.\nBut when the reality of disaster hit, LaMonica said the camaraderie and unity on the floor of his freshman dorm was unforgettable. \nThe graduating men of Sigma Nu spent one of their last Wednesday nights as IU seniors soaking up the surroundings of their house-become-home. On one of the first warm evenings in Bloomington, the doors of the house stand wide open as seniors Eric Schmadeke, Matt Beal and Hunter Ferguson survey the evolution from pledge to IU alumnus. \n"I remember experiencing my first Little 500," said graduating Marketing major Matt Beal. "I'll never forget when our house had Rusty Bladen in concert either. I'll never forget how much fun that was."\nGraduating Legal Studies major and Sigma Nu brother Eric Schmadeke remembers those same events, nodding his head in firm agreement while Beal indulges in his last memories on campus. \n"I didn't know a soul when I came here," Schmadeke said. "Now, I couldn't begin to tell you how many friends I have."\nGraduating senior and Sigma Nu brother Hunter Ferguson stepped in to make a first and last graduating statement. "I can't believe I haven't been carded at the Upstairs Pub in over two years. I love that place," Ferguson said. All three agree the Upstairs Pub is one of the best hangouts on Bloomington's campus.\nBut like LaMonica, all three Sigma Nus also agree on the shock and campus unity that took place during 9/11.\n"I can honestly say, those two days over the 11th and 12th were horrible for the nation, but amazing for our campus," Beal said. "Everyone stood together on one issue. For once, no one had problems with anyone else."\nMoving into the Burger King at the Indiana Memorial Union, seniors Danielle Danko and Christina McKay take a moment from a quick lunch break to share some more personal memories about their years at IU.\nDanko, a graduating Business major, references the communal feel and overall experience of being part of the Kelly School of Business. \n"Everything's been so much fun. I can't believe I don't have more to say right now. It's because all I can think is how much it sucks that everything's ending," Danko said. \nMcKay, a graduating Education major, agrees on the bittersweet end that comes with graduation.\n-- Contact staff writer Amber Kerezman at akerezma@indiana.edu.