Raymond Baccari
News Editor
Life on campus is slowly getting back to its pre-COVID days. This semester has seen mask mandates relaxed and a number of beloved events come back. Wednesday, Apr. 13, 2022 was RIC’s first in-person Grad Fest since COVID started.
Grad Fest is an event where seniors are able to finalize everything from checking for any holds on their account to picking up graduation tickets. This ensures they’re ready to walk the stage at the Dunkin Donuts Center in May. Tables were set up from a variety of on-campus services at the Recreation Center such as the Alumni Association, Military Resource Center, Career Development Center and the RIC Foundation. Each table at Grad Fest had their own purpose and students who attended enjoyed the one-stop shop dedicated for seniors.
“I think it was very stream-lined. It wasn’t difficult [and was] pretty relaxing. I’m glad that I was able to do a one-stop shop type of thing all at once – make sure that my diploma [is] going to the right place [and] I got my regalia. It takes off a lot of stress about making sure if I need to tie up any loose ends and I did it all in one sweep,” said General Manager of Anchor TV Jake Douglas
“Grad Fest I believe was smooth for every student who came through. And it’s a great experience to get everyone back together again in person,” said Anchor Managing Editor Emily Brennan.
Adams Library was at the event to make sure none of the graduates left with extra fees or had any unreturned books. The Career Development Center was at their table to let students know their resources are available such as helping with resumes and cover letters. Student IDs issued refunds for residential students who had any leftover campus points. Records Offices provided students with a chance to verify their home address for the diploma was correct and if there were any holds on their account. A table set up by Herff Jones showcased the prices for campus rings and diploma frames available at both the bookstore and herffjones.com/college/rings. The Military Resource Center gave student veterans custom veteran stoles, graduation cords and a RIC student veteran pin. Seniors also had a chance to get photographs taken in their cap and gown.
Some tables promoted upcoming events seniors can both attend and enjoy for the first time after two years of distance learning. On Apr. 27 and May 4, 2022 is the Senior Class Astronomy Night. Both nights from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. are free to attend, don’t require pre-registration and will be at the Margaret Jacoby Observatory, located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.
At the end of April is Senior Class President Kaicie Boeglin’s “A Sounds Sick Perspective” concert. The concert is on Apr. 29, 2022 at Fête Music Hall in Providence. The show starts and doors open at 6 p.m. Prices for tickets are $10 for RIC students, a student ID will need to be presented at purchase, and $20 for non-RIC students. Email Boeglin at kboeglin_9324@email.ric.edu to purchase tickets or ask any additional questions regarding the concert.
Senior Night is on May 6, 2022. From 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. seniors can enjoy this night to remember at The Thirsty Beaver’s Smithfield location. The event won’t be open to the public, pre-registration is required and if students attending invite their friends – it will need to be indicated on the registration form – however, registration is coming to a fast close. Food will be provided, but attendees need to purchase their own drinks.
The last of the senior events is Pride Fest on May 11, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event is sponsored by Alumni Association, Pride Alliance and the Senior Class. Throughout the campus there will be a plethora of activities students can participate in. Locations include the quad, the intramural field and the Ballroom as a rain location. The event is all day and free to attend on campus the day after finals end. There will be vendors, games, activities, raffles and giveaways, as well as performers and WXIN providing music. More details will be emailed to students soon.
The general sentiment was positive from both students that attended and organizers of this year’s Grad Fest.
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