ASIA YOUNG
Staff Writer

In collaboration with the Office of Alumni Relations, SGA Senior Senators Brittany Laning and Erika Baldino hosted an event on Feb. 9 at the Bottle Hill Pub to mark the countdown of 99 days until the class of 2010 walks at graduation on May 18.
There was a $3 admission charge for every participant, which entitled the guest to a glass of champagne and appetizers from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. There was also the option of purchasing a decorative class t-shirt of FDU’s “devil” insignia by donating a total of $20.10, in honor of the class year, according to Beth Reuse, director of constituent programs.
By the end of the night, 100 guests were in attendance, and a total of $300 was raised. The proceeds of the entrance fee were donated to the class gift fund, with a gross amount of $1,300 assembled thus far.
“We had this event in mind since last semester, and as soon as we got back to school we started to make the preparations. We were happy with the turnout due to the fact that we only had a short amount of time to advertise for it,” said Laning, referring to the mass FDU student e-mail and Facebook announcements sent out only the day before.
Students piled in to celebrate with peers and make the toast at 11 p.m.
Senior Anthony Del Conte said the event was sentimental because he was able to interact with people whom he has not seen since freshman year.
“I came because it’s my last year of being here with everyone,” said Del Conte, who is continuing his studies at FDU through the Quest five-year master’s program come Fall 2010. “It’s really the last hurrah, I don’t want to regret anything. I’ve had a great time here, and I want to remember it.”
Other students had similar feelings. Senior Homecoming King Evan Weinstein recalled his shyness upon entering college and his social progress since then over Magic Hat 9 beer.
“Let’s put it this way: to be completely honest with you, I cannot believe how fast my college career has gone. [The] champagne toast made me realize that college is coming to an end, and I got a chance to relish in the years that I’ve been here and the friends that I made.”
Senior John Schneider was pleased to steal away with friends for the night. “We’re going to have to start thinking about careers. Reality is setting in. I think it’s a good thing they’re doing this, to bring everyone together,” he said.
While swirling the drink in his cup, Senior Dan Rolwood shared his sentiments by quoting Semisonic’s “Closing Time,” saying, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”
Rolwood added, “College was a next step, but now it’s time to end. We set our mark, our footprint, and it’s time for a new start.”
The commencement countdown continues, but seniors still have other events to look forward to, such as the Senior Dinner Dance on April 16, according to Laning. She also hopes to have a “50 Days ‘Til Graduation” affair.