After four Homecomings, three fest-filled spring quarters, hundreds of new friends and more than 200 hours in class, I am finally approaching graduation, and I am feeling a mix of emotions. I am excited that my hard work has finally paid off, but I am sad to say goodbye to those I have called my family for the past four years. Speaking to many of my fellow seniors in the Class of 2008, I know most of them feel the same. I urge my fellow seniors to come together and experience this emotional time together!

As president of Senior Class Council, I and other SCC members have been working hard to plan events that will help this last quarter be one that seniors will never forget.

First, the inaugural Graduation Fair 2008: Countdown to Commencement is right around the corner. As graduation approached last year, many of my graduating friends were confused. From where to go for the commencement ceremony to how to get a cap and gown, there were plenty of questions. This year, we wanted to create an event that would answer all of those questions and more.

The graduation fair at Baker University Center Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Wednesday is going to do just that. Why waste time searching for answers when you can get them all in one place? Graduation should be exciting, not stressful, so I hope students let us help them out.

Students can register for graduation, order their cap and gown, order and print their graduation invitations and gather priceless contacts from Ohio University Alumni Association chapters from across the country. Getting involved with OUAA chapters can help soon-to-be grads become acquainted with a new city and meet other great Bobcats!

There also will be tons of free stuff and a chance to share favorite OU memories to be used in the Video Time Capsule, the Class of 2008 senior gift. Students also will be able to gain access to The Gateway, known to many as the "Facebook for OU Alumni."

But don't worry, there's a lot more! SCC is planning a Class of 2008 Social at Broney's in the coming weeks. Students can stop by, get some food and hang out with old friends from the dorms or that one special study buddy from their first class. This is a great opportunity to catch up with friends and celebrate everyone's accomplishments.

SCC also wants to make sure students leave OU with no regrets. To them, I pose these questions: Have you ever eaten at the Burrito Buggy? What about Miller's Chicken? Ever climbed the wall at Ping? These are just three things that are on my own "OU Bucket List," and I would hate to graduate without having experienced something that is such a part of the Athens campus.

That is why SCC members have created a list of activities it believes makes Athens so special. The list will be posted in Alden Library starting next week. You also can find it on our Senior Facebook Group page. We invite students to add things to the list as well. I will be posting dates and times that I'll be tackling my list on our Web site and on Facebook, and I invite fellow students to join me.

Probably the most exciting event before commencement is the first-ever Senior Farewell Ceremony on the College Green. This event is going to bring students' OU experience full circle and provide a time to celebrate their accomplishments, memories and Ohio University with the entire Senior Class! The best part about it: It's on the College Green!

Tables and chairs will cover the green for students to enjoy food, a free senior gift, a featured alumni speaker, performances by the singing Men of Ohio and the Marching 110, a goodbye toast with President McDavis, presentation of the 2008 Most Recognizable Seniors and, last but not least, a march through the College Green and Alumni Gateway! The event is only $5 in advance and $8 on the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased online, at Countdown to Commencement, from any SCC member and at the group's Baker tables.

Throughout the quarter, students also can purchase the Official Class of 2008 T-Shirt. They can be ordered from the OUAA Bobcat Store, at any SCC Baker table and at the Countdown to Commencement.

I hope my fellow graduating seniors are excited and proud to have made it this far. We all should remember, we're not in this alone. Plenty of us may not have a job yet, are moving to a new city or are taking a tough class this last quarter leading up to commencement. I invite all to join me in celebrating together, experiencing our last days in Athens together and, most importantly, coming together as the Class of 2008!

In Bobcat Pride,
Lynn Walsh
senior@ohio.edu