Students choose their ring for the "Ring Ceremony" at "Grad Fair." The ceremony will be taking place on Nov. 29. Nikhilesh Chhetri/The Lion's Roar  

Seniors who will be graduating this fall attended “Grad Fair” at the Alumni Center last week. The event lasted two days starting on Oct. 10, and provided a single location for all graduation needs.

Executive Director of Alumni Relations Michelle Biggs explained the function of “Grad Fair.”

“‘Grad Fair’ is a one-stop shop for all the graduate’s needs,” said Biggs. “Students who are preparing for graduation can come and pick up their cap and gown, order announcements and pick up their yearbook. They can also order their official Southeastern ring in time to participate in 'Ring Ceremony' as well as join Lion Legacy by purchasing a commemorative brick in Project Friendship Plaza.” 

Associate Director of Alumni Programming Jennifer O’Neil explained what they were providing at the event.

“The Lion Legacy campaign is the chance to give back to the university before you graduate,” said O’Neil. “With a donation, you get a T-shirt that signifies that you’re a donor. With a bigger donation you will get a personalized brick with your name in the Friendship Circle.”

Document Source Manager Josh Randall explains why it is important for students to attend the event.

“Students should visit the fair because it’s a great opportunity to see all the things they need to handle at one time as opposed to having to go and maybe forget about some of the things along the way and doing it one by one,” said Randall.

Senior accounting major Trey Golden explained what he thought about “Grad Fair.”

“It’s pretty exciting,” said Golden. “It lets you communicate with people and get around. The photo booth was the best.”

Senior music major Paige Putnam expressed her views towards the event.

“It was really informative,” said Putnam. “I got a lot of things done, but I had to wait a long time at the photo booth.”

At “Grad Fair” students were able to learn more about class rings, LionHire, yearbooks, take a picture for the yearbook and more.

“I really liked all of the stalls, but I liked the cap and gown portrait the most, because it made it official,” said senior marketing major Bridget Gaffney.

Biggs explains the course of action that students should take in case they miss “Grad Fair.”

“Unfortunately, the student will have to visit the various departments to take care of all the necessary items,” said Biggs. “They have to pick up their cap and gown at the book store, they have to go to the Office of Enrollment Services to get their graduation instructions, pick up their yearbook from Student Publications, etc. That’s why we hold ‘Grad Fair’ for two days, and we really encourage all graduating students to attend.”

According to Randall, the event has been consistent throughout the years.

“There hasn’t been many changes,” said Randall. “It has been the same for several years. The committee does a great job of bringing the same vendors everytime to make sure students aren’t billed more. This also provides the students the same experience as they’re seniors.”

The “Ring Ceremony” will take place on Nov. 29, and the Commencement Exercise will take place at the University Center on Dec. 9.