On Tuesday, seniors piled into the pews of the Gunnison Memorial Chapel to partake in the 100th night celebration. A tradition at SLU, the 100th night event marks the remaining nights left until seniors graduate.
To start off the night, Class of 2022 Council President, Lauren Arthaud ‘22 outlined the planning that went into the event and introduced the slideshow that the class council prepared.
The chapel erupted in shouts and yells as pictures of the class of 2022 from over the years appeared on the screen. Seniors were invited to send in their own pictures, which ranged from photos of First Year Program Orientation groups to senior year formals.
The 100th night and the slideshow carry mixed emotions for some seniors. “While I expected the ceremony to be sadly nostalgic, there was actually an amazing energy in the chapel,” stated Gabriele Nedeau ‘22. “It was definitely a bonding moment for us all to be there.”
Seniors bonded over the speeches made by fellow classmates after the slideshow. To start the speeches, John Churchill ‘22 talked of friendships made throughout the years. Churchill noted how these relationships have changed over time and how it is never too late to make a new SLU friend.
Following Churchill, Evgenija Stankoska ‘22, took the stage and commented on the struggles of freshman year. Stankoska remembered the awkwardness of all the firsts of that year and how much things have changed since then.
Imaan Maani ‘22 commented on what the class of 2022 had hoped for junior year to be. Maani described canceled study abroad, family units and the loss of a fellow Laurentian, Enzo Corigliano.
“It was heartwarming to be surrounded with our class year and being reminded of the pockets of joy we created throughout the years and will continue to create with one another,” Maani said after the event.
To wrap up the speeches, Cale Sargent ‘22 stepped up to remind the class of 2022 how much they have endured and what to expect in the days leading to graduation. Sargent quoted Tom Petty to conclude the speech, “oh, my, my, oh hell yes. Honey put on that party dress, buy me a drink, sing me a song. Take me as I come ‘cause I can’t stay long.”
Before the festivities were completely over, the Laurentian Singers gave a performance for the seniors. Seniors were reminded of their early days at SLU while the singers sang the Alma Mater.
For some seniors, 100th night was a way to feel connected with the entire class before graduation. “It brought our entire class together to celebrate the limited time we have until graduation,” said Morgan Montminy ‘22. “I think 100th night gave us all the reminder to make the most of the remainder of the year and enjoy the rest of the time we have together.”
The 100th night was also an opportunity for seniors to remember time spent at SLU. “It was nice to share all those memories we have made with one another,” said Nassar Kalla ‘22.
Arthaud ‘22 closed the event by inviting seniors to “the best Tuesday Blues that The Hoot will ever experience.” Kalla attested that “The Hoot was a blast.”