Seniors graduate atop Commencement Hill

COVID—in recent years we were required to modify Commencement due to COVID. Returning to how Commencement traditionally occurred, without COVID modifications, is something to celebrate. In addition, this year, we are offering a larger affinity reception celebrating all affinity ceremonies on Saturday; we also moved the reception following the Commencement ceremony to Noyes Circle.” But Senior Week has many graduates looking forward to life beyond Vassar. Bender added, “Senior Week is a Vassar tradition that celebrates seniors and everything they have accomplished during their time here.” She continued, “Vassar graduates end up all over the world so Senior Week might be the last time many of us will be able to see our friends in-person for a while, and our class in particular has had a challenging college experience, with most of our years at Vassar being affected by COVID-19, so I think having some time to spend with each other without any wor- ries about classes and things like that is extra meaningful for our class.”

Bender expressed excitement for the other events planned: “Senior formal is the first and biggest event of Senior Week. We are also offering a visit to Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, a bottomless brunch at Savona’s Trattoria and laser tag right on campus. I am also looking forward to Last Late Night since there will be grilled cheese.” She added, “This is the first year senior week includes a bottomless brunch at Savona’s Trattoria.”

President Elizabeth Bradley made sure to note the accomplishments of the Class of 2023. She remarked, “Every class is unique at Vassar in its own way; this is the class that spent the most Vassar time in COVID and really set the tone and carried the College safely to today. So we honor them, we thank them, and wish them well, reminding them—Vassar for a lifetime!”

Gee ended her regards by saying, “The goal of Senior Week is a time of revelry and celebration. To anyone in the Class of 2023: Congratulations! I’m so proud of us.”