UC San Diego Kicks Off Senior Spring with Grad Nite at the Bookstore
Malinda Danziger | May 11, 2009
Meg Gullo, '07, distributed Triton Pride Packs at Grad Nite.
UC San Diego kicked off Senior Spring April 20 with the first-ever Grad Nite at the UC San Diego Bookstore. The recently-launched Senior Spring program offers seniors a variety of opportunities to enrich their UC San Diego experience throughout the academic quarter before commencement.
For one-night only, the UCSD Bookstore was transformed into a party venue with a paparazzi-lined red carpet leading into festivities that included a DJ, dancing and refreshments. Nearly 850 students and guests were treated to special discounts throughout the store on popular graduation items ranging from UC San Diego clothing and memorabilia to travel books and grad school guides. Vendors were also on hand to sell class rings, graduation portraits, diploma frames and announcements.
“We all knew graduation was approaching, but I don't think it really hit us until we walked into the Bookstore for Grad Nite,” said Kristin Luciani ’09. “With the DJ, food, cake and even a red carpet, it felt like the first time we were really celebrating being seniors.”
As part of the inaugural senior event, the bookstore and UCSD Alumni Association partnered to sell “Triton Pride Packs,” kits complete with their college tassel and graduation keepsakes, as well as information about cap and gown rental, commencement fees, UCSD Alumni Association membership and more. By purchasing these items as part of a “pack,” rather than a la carte, graduating seniors can save up to 20 percent off the cost. Triton Pride Packs will be sold at the UC San Diego Bookstore and online http://bookstore.ucsd.edu until graduation.
UC San Diego seniors shop to show their Triton pride after graduation.
“Grad Nite generated an incredible amount of excitement and spirit among graduating students for Senior Spring,” said Armin Afsahi, ’90, executive director of the UCSD Alumni Association “We are thrilled to share this important rite of passage with our graduating students.”
In addition to browsing the bookstore for deals and celebrating with friends, seniors had the opportunity to learn more about Alumni Association including the nationwide network of regional alumni chapters and clubs, along with professional development and lifelong learning programs. Attendeees also learned about the European Odyssey Graduation Tour, June 25–July 10, for UC San Diego students and recent grads, and gathered to sign the back of the “Class of 2009” plaque before its scheduled installation on the campus Library Walk in June.
"Triton Pride Packs" include college tassel, and graduation keepsakes, as well as cap and gown rental, commencement fees, UCSD Alumni Association membership and more.
“We loved having the opportunity to show UCSD grads how much we appreciate them,” said Meredyth Potter, the UC San Diego Bookstore marketing manager. “We’re already excited about throwing the Grad Nite party for the Class of 2010.”
By the end of the night, the event raised $3,000 for the Senior Class Challenge, and the bookstore sold 310 “Class of 2009” T-shirts, 145 diploma frames and 135 Triton Pride Packs. In addition, 250 senior tickets were distributed for the All Campus Graduation Ceremony
Upcoming Senior Spring events include:
- Senior Salute
Tuesday, May 19 at 5 p.m., Porter’s Pub
Senior can mingle with friends and leave their mark at UC San Diego by signing the “Class of 2009” plaque before it is installed on Library Walk
- San Diego Padres Baseball Game
Wednesday, May 20 at 7:05 p.m., PETCO Park
Senior students are encouraged to watch as the Padres take on their division rivals, the San Francisco Giants.
- All Campus Graduation Celebration
Friday, June 12, RIMAC Field
With its debut last year, Celebrate graduation with friends and family, and enjoy a picnic-style dinner and fireworks.
Grad Nite was sponsored by the UCSD Alumni Association and UC San Diego Bookstore. For additional Senior Spring event information, visit http://seniors.ucsd.edu
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