Heather Hall

SDSU Senior Appreciation Day was held on April 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the Silvan Green as a way for the university to recognize seniors and give them an afternoon filled with food, fun and prizes.

The event was sponsored by Staters for State and the SDSU Alumni Association with support from the Student Association as well. Two hundred free T-shirts were given away to the first 200 seniors to arrive at the Green.

“We got a lot of money from the foundation for prizes. We got gift certificates, T-shirts, normally everyone will get at least something,” said Cameron Welbig, a member of Staters for State.

Some of the prizes that were offered included a new bike from Sioux River Cyclery, Hobo Day weekend stay with tickets, Coughlin Campanile framed print and two $250 gift certificates to the Empire Mall. There was also a free picnic, which included food catered by Aramark and drawings for other prizes.

“The door prizes have all been donated, and it’s just a way for the community to say thank you to the students who have been going to school here for four or five years,” said Barb Koenders who works for the Alumni Association.

As the year is winding down, seniors are looking forward to more than just a day of activity; they are thinking about finals, graduation and more importantly their future.

“I do know what I’m going to do, I’m going to go to physical therapy school in St. Louis. I’m excited because I’m aiming more toward what I want to do,” said senior Holly Hagena.

Some seniors know what they want to do, and others aren’t in a hurry deciding; they’re just relieved to be done with school.

“After five years, it’s just time for a change in focus and a change in activities. I’m looking at working on a university doing admissions type work, within a few years, I’m planning on going back to get my masters in student services,” said senior Marc Tuschen.

This year is only the second year for the Senior Appreciation Day, but many students think that it’s worthwhile.

“I think it’s a really good idea. It recognizes the seniors and culminates the year to give students the chance to talk to faculty, other alumni, or other college students to make a connection,” said Tuschen.

Staters for State also sponsors other events such as Stately Beginning for incoming freshman and others. The group meets every Tuesday at the Alumni Center.