After four years of classes, projects, and group presentations, members of the Class of 2015 will spend their last days at WPI barbecuing, painting, hiking, and touring Boston in the run-up to Commencement on May 16. But if you want to get in on these and other Senior Week activities, you’d better hurry, as some events have already sold out.
Tina Dutra, chair of the Senior Week
Committee.
Senior Tina Dutra, chair of the Senior Week Committee, says a wide variety of events have been planned for the soon-to-be graduates, based on time-honored favorites (such as a trip to Six Flags New England amusement park) and responses from a survey given last fall asking this year’s seniors for their preferences.
“We tried to use the resources around us to plan events that would be fun for everyone,” says Dutra, adding that the committee hopes every senior will attend at least one Senior Week event.
“The events help seniors de-stress now that the projects are over. And it’s a time to have fun with friends before they all graduate,” Dutra says.
Some of the most popular events planned between now and graduation are a barbecue on the campus patio and Six Flags (both sold out), Red Sox game, Boston Fun Day, Mount Wachusett hike, and Paint Night. As some events have sold out, the committee has been able rework the budget to add more space. Paint Night, for example, has swelled from 60 to 100 people, says Dutra. But not all events can be expanded further, she said, urging seniors to go to the Student Activities Office as soon as possible to purchase tickets.
For more information, visit the SAO or email se2015@wpi.edu.
Senior Week Schedule of Events
Wednesday, May 6
RED SOX GAME
Boston 4:15 p.m. -Midnight Tickets: $30.00 per person
Hit off Senior Week and enjoy the Boston Red Sox vs the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park.
Thursday, May 7
SENIOR BBQ
Higgins House Lawn, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets: $10 per person
Have fun and mingle with other students, faculty, and administration before graduation. We will have food and yard games to enjoy so don’t miss this event!
Friday, May 8
SIX FLAGS TRIP
Springfield, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tickets: $20 per person
Spend a day of fun at Six Flags New England getting your adrenaline fix in! The trip will provide transportation and entrance into the park, but be sure to bring money or pack a lunch!
Sunday, May 10
HIKE MOUNT WACHUSETT
Wachusett State Park, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tickets: $5 per person
Come for a few hours of hiking and exploring Mount Wachusett. Lunch and transportation are included.
Sunday, May 10
PAINT NIGHT ON CAMPUS
Goat’s Head Restaurant Tickets: $10 per person
Come spend an evening at the Goat’s Head painting an iconic image of WPI with your fellow classmates and Michelle Zayas as your teacher. The night includes supplies for painting and light refreshments with a cash bar. Everyone can leave with the artwork they create!
Monday, May 11
BOSTON FUN DAY
Boston 2:45 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Tickets: $25 per person
Join your classmates on a trip to Boston that begins with a Brewery Tour at Mystic Brewery followed by dinner at Faneuil Hall and a comedy show at Improv Asylum! Tickets include the guided tour, a meal voucher, and entrance into the comedy show.
Tuesday, May 12
BOSTON BOAT CRUISE
Boston 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tickets: $40 per person
Cruise Boston in style! Join your class for a Boston Harbor lunch boat cruise and dance. Tickets include transportation, lunch, and the cruise. This is a 21+ event.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
REHEARSAL FOR ALL CANDIDATES
Harrington Auditorium at 4 p.m. for Undergraduate Students
Harrington Auditorium at 6 PM for Graduate Students
Wednesday, May 13
PRESIDENT’S GIFT RECEPTION (INVITATION ONLY)
President’s home, 1 Drury Lane 5:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. No Charge
Style of dress is business casual. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served. To receive an invitation you must be a senior and contribute at least $50 to the Senior Class Gift.
Thursday, May 14
TREE PLANTING FOR PATRICK DEGENHARDT
Institute Park 1:30 p.m.
A specimen beech tree and plaque will be installed and dedicated in memory of Patrick Degenhardt ’17 in Institute Park with all students invited to attend. The tree, which will reach 80 feet when fully mature, is being gifted to WPI by a Degenhardt family friend.
Thursday, May 14
ANNUAL SENIOR WELCOME RECEPTION
Campus Center Odeum 6:30-8:30 p.m. FREE
WPI’s Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) welcome the graduating class of 2015 into the alumni community during this annual event! Get to know members of the alumni family and other soon-to-be graduates during this relaxed and fun event. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Registration for this event closes on Monday, May 11. This event is sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations, the Alumni Association, the Student Alumni Society, and the Student Government Association. Please register at http://wpi.imodules.com/seniors2015.
Friday, May 15
BACCALAUREATE
Quad 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy a popular program for our students that celebrates their time at WPI as they reflect on their experiences as a student. The event is free and open to the community. No tickets required.
– By Cate Prato
