“Senior Week is an opportunity for the graduating class to celebrate their accomplishments before they walk across the stage and get their diploma,” said Raymond Mencio, executive director of Campus Life.
Senior Week is a long-standing Sacred Heart University tradition taking place this year between May 5 and May 8. Graduating seniors can register to participate in events and trips on and off campus with their fellow graduates prior to commencement.
Tracy Deer-Mirek, Sacred Heart University
“Senior Week will give students the opportunity for one more lasting moment as undergraduate students where they don’t have to worry about presentations, finals or assignments and can truly celebrate their peers and everyone who made this experience at SHU memorable,” said Mencio.
Seniors can dine at Stonebridge Restaurant and visit the Mohegan Sun and Avalon Night Club all while living in Seton and Merton Halls for the week. Additional events include a commencement ball, a family celebration, and more.
“My favorite event during Senior Week was probably Stonebridge because it was a great way to kick off the week,” said Maddie Beekman ‘25, former Editor-In-Chief of Spectrum. “Sacred Heart rents out the bar so it was just graduating seniors with tickets and we were able to enjoy a night outside without having to worry about it being too crowded or busy.”
Along with these planned activities, alumni appreciated living in the first-year residence halls.
“As a transfer student, I had not previously experienced freshman-year housing, so it was especially meaningful to be able to take part in that aspect of campus life for the first time,” said Giana Coccimiglio ‘25.
The time spent on campus during Senior Week is one of the many reasons seniors do not want to miss this experience.
“Coming back as an alumni is a completely different feeling, so my best advice is to take advantage of Senior Week and the opportunity to be on campus as an undergraduate for the last time,” said Beekman.
As the 2026 spring semester comes to an end, excitement among this year’s graduating class has begun to build.
“I look forward to being with my friends for the week before we all move back home,” said senior Anna Wildes. “I expect a lot of fun and memories made.”
Seniors not only hope to foster and nurture past relationships, but they hope to make new ones as well.
“My expectations for Senior Week are to meet other students who I haven’t met yet, and to feel satisfied with my time coming to an end at SHU,” said senior Renna Badolato.
Seniors can anticipate that this opportunity will live up to their expectations.
“I entered Senior Week with expectations of celebrating this milestone alongside my peers, participating in well-organized events, and creating meaningful, lasting memories,” said Coccimiglio. “I am pleased to say that the experience fully met those expectations, as each event was thoughtfully planned and provided a memorable way to conclude my college journey.”
Graduates are encouraged to register for one event or all events.
“It gives you the chance to hang out with the people you see every weekend, but also reconnect with friends from freshman year, Study Abroad, etc. that you maybe haven’t spoken to since,” said Beekman. “It really felt like the perfect culmination of my four years at SHU leading up to graduation.”
Registration for Senior Week 2026 opened on Feb. 19 and ends on March 20.
“Senior Week is more than just a celebration,” said Coccimiglio. “It’s your final chance to honor how far you’ve come and fully embrace the moments that will become some of your most cherished memories.”
