Starting Feb. 21, seniors will be able to sign up for Sacred Heart University’s senior week held at the end of the semester. A pub night for seniors will be held at Red’s to celebrate the registration opening.
Registration will be open from Feb. 21 to March 27 on the Senior Week website. Cash, card, or check payment will be collected in the Student Life Office, following confirmation of student registration. Payments must be turned in no later than April 2 and students must bring their SHU card and a valid state ID.
“After helping out with the behind the scenes of senior week last year, I am beyond excited to participate in it this year,” said senior Caitlin Dalton. “You can tell that the seniors truly enjoy this each year. It is such a great opportunity for classes to come together one last time.” Senior Week takes place May 7 through May 10 and this year’s theme is “Destination Senior Week.” At the end of the week, the 2024 commencements will be held at Hartford Health Amphitheater.
Kicking off the week on Tuesday, May 7, students will be taken to Stonebridge in Milford, CT for an experience of a “Night in Dingle, Ireland.” Seniors will have access to pub food and an open bar while socializing with their peers at the outdoor bar.
On Wednesday, May 8, students will then be transported to Mohegan Sun Casino for an experience of “I Took a Trip to Monte Carlo.” Mohegan Sun is a casino and resort located in Uncasville, Conn. Seniors will have free-range to gamble, shop, dine out, or go to the bars. Sacred Heart has the club “Avalon” rented out just for SHU seniors. At this club, students will receive vouchers for drinks if they choose to go.
Thursday, May 9, seniors will have the option to attend the Commencement Ball at the Martire Family Arena. Here, they can celebrate with dinner, dancing, and signature cocktails. The theme of the Commencement Ball is Mexico. Students get to dress up in formal wear and come enjoy dinner and drinks from Mexico.
The senior week package will not include a guest ticket for the commencement ball, but an extra plus-one ticket is available for purchase.
On the last night, Friday, May 10, the Ciao Famiglia will take place. At this event, students’ friends and families will be introduced with appetizers and cocktails. The family event’s theme is Italy, with cheese, meats, Aperol spritz, and cannolis.
“Every year is a little different but we are expecting around 800 students to buy packages which include all of the events,” said Raymond Mencio, Executive Director of Campus Life.
The Senior Week package includes student tickets to the events, transportation from place to place, and a custom class of 2024 T-shirt. Within each event, there is access to food, drinks, and different venues.
Packages will not include “Housing in the Halls” which is a SHU tradition and entrance to Senior Garden after parties. Seniors will be able to purchase “Housing in the Halls” in the registration process and seniors will be able to pick their residence hall and roommates if interested.
If a student chooses to purchase the “Housing in the Halls,” they will stay in Seton or Merton hall and have access to the after parties. The after parties will be bring-your-own-beer styled and the school will provide food for the students.
“We also have a dedicated Instagram that will have events @shu_seniorweek and the SHU Senior Class Instagram page will have updates,” said Mencio. “We are excited about the event this year and want to see a lot of students staying on campus and enjoying the Senior Garden after
events,” said Mencio. Leading up to senior week, there will also be the third senior pub night on Feb. 21, taking place at Red’s, which is located in the Linda E. McMahon Commons. This pub night is “Pancake and Pajama” themed. Students will get two dollars off admission if they wear their pajamas. Red’s will be serving mimosas and there will be a make your own pancake bar with different topping options. “At senior pub night, we will announce a reminder to sign up as well as the winner of the free senior week raffle we have,” said senior Erin Clark, Senior Class President and Spectrum News Editor.
Jake Walsh, Staff Photographer.
Source: Sacred Heart University.
The senior week raffle winner could win free senior week if selected. Raffle tickets were bought in the fall and included admission to Reds on pub nights.
“After not getting a senior week during my high school senior year due to COVID, I’ve been looking to finally be able to experience one, and come together with all of my friends I’ve made here at SHU the last four years. I’m definitely most looking forward to Stonebridge and the Commencement Ball,” said senior Ashley McCrady.
If you are interested in participating in or looking for more information regarding senior week, visit https:// www.sacredheart.edu/commencement/senior-week/.
News Editors Erin Clark and Valentina Massoni contributed to this article.
