Beginning Monday, April 23, Stetson’s Senior Week will feature a daily theme complete with activities, food and prizes to celebrate the graduating Class of 2018.

The Office of Development and Alumni Engagement will be hosting the week’s events for the first time, after they were traditionally held by First Year and Transitions Programs. Becca Thomas, assistant director of Sustainable Giving, and Patty Guevara, assistant director of Alumni and Parent Engagement, are looking forward to the tailored activities inspired by members of the graduating class and inviting them into the world of young alumni.

The goal of the week, both Thomas and Guevara echo, is for seniors to feel both celebrated and appreciated.

“We wanted seniors to have a week that’s just for them,” said Thomas.

Thomas also wants the events to convey this isn’t the end of their Stetson journey. “I hope that seniors can come and realize that if you hadn’t come to Stetson you wouldn’t have met the people and friends and professors who have shaped you into who you are. We’re always a part of you.”

“We wanted to create fun but intentional programming that builds greater class affinity,” said Guevara. “We wanted them to leave with more than just a champagne flute.”

Guevara wants seniors to familiarize themselves with Alumni Engagement — not only as future young alumni — but also to use the department as a resource, both personally and professionally.

“I want seniors to feel like they’re a part of a family,” said Guevara. “Their relationship with Stetson isn’t over; it’s just beginning.”

Here’s a look at the events in store.

Monday: BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket)

From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the Stetson Green, seniors are invited for a picnic-style event, complete with karaoke and barbecue. Reminiscent of the karaoke nights held during FOCUS orientation week, this event holds the hope that a senior’s Stetson experience will come full circle from where it started — with music. While the event is open to the community, food will only be provided for seniors.

Tuesday: Senior Toast

From 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. in President Wendy B. Libby’s garden, seniors are invited to a formal-dress champagne (or sparkling apple juice) toast to their accomplishments. The event will feature the words of numerous administrators, from Libby, Ph.D., to Lua Hancock, Ph.D., and two graduating seniors will also share a bit of their Stetson experience. Dubbed “Stestonmony,” the two students, Leslie Diepen and Lauren Davids, were randomly selected to share and speak at the event. Refreshments will be served freely. However, in order to drink, students must bring their government-issued ID.

Wednesday: Senior Splash

From 2 p.m.- 5 p.m. in the Hollis Center pool and lounge area, seniors are invited to socialize by the pool under the Florida sun with iced refreshments, food and inflatables. Amidst the stress of oncoming finals and graduation plans, this day is intended as one to rejuvenate through relaxation. While the event is open to all students, food will only be provided to seniors.

Thursday: Night Out

From 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Persimmon Hollow, 111 W. Georgia Ave., in Downtown DeLand, seniors are invited to a throwback night, featuring the music of the Class of 2018’s childhood. Free trolley rides from the Lynn Business Center to Persimmon Hollow will be running for the duration of the event. Seniors are encouraged to bring their government-issued IDs in order to enjoy the event.

Friday: Cappy Hour and Sign Out

From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., seniors are invited to sign the Book of Seniors in the Lynn Business Center just before being able to climb to the roof. This is symbolic of the new perspective that graduating seniors will gain as they leave their Stetson undergraduate experience to go on to something new. The book itself is kept and passed down through the years. Concurrently, given that only a few students can go on the roof at once, students are invited to decorate their graduation caps during “Cappy Hour” with provided materials. This is also an opportunity to enter the Alumni Office’s graduation-cap decorating contest at which three seniors with the best-rated cap design will win a Stetson diploma frame, an Amazon Echo or a $75 Amazon gift card on May 9. More information on the contest will be given at this event. Deadline to enter is May 7, 2018.

For more information on Senior Week events, please contact Becca Thomas at [email protected]. For more information on the resources in the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, email [email protected], or visit if interested in giving back to any Stetson department or fund.

-Veronica Faison