Graduating class traditions and experiences

The class of 2021: Traditions, senior year experiences

BETHANY POWLS Editor-in-Chief

This year’s class of 2021 is scheduled to graduate, in person at Thresher Stadium, on May 16. For those who have experienced the events of the past year, have pressed forward with classes and are finally receiving their decree, this moment is one that the campus is excited to honor. For many of these seniors, they have been a part of Bethel College and its traditions— like the touching of the threshing stone— since the start of their first year.

“I think touching the threshing stone is a big tradition that I feel is important to me. It signifies the start and the end of our college experience and is something that has been done for years,” Lauren Dwyer, senior from Olathe, said.

Additionally, senior students are looking forward to some of the graduation specific experiences, like Baccalaureate tends to be more of a faith-oriented ceremony in which senior students gather at Bethel College Mennonite Church with their peers and reflect on the years of their college experience. This year, Baccalaureate will be held outdoors at Thresher Stadium and will feature ensemble performances, as well as special speakers.

“I think it’s a way to celebrate what we’ve done all four years and have a much closer gathering than graduation. It’s about the achievements that everyone has done and personal growth,” Sarah Smith, senior from Topeka, said.

This year, the Student Alumni Association has created a new tradition for Bethel students. As a special challenge for the last thirty days of their college experience, seniors were given a list of thirty “last” opportunities to try before graduation.

“Something I want to do before I graduate is complete all 30 events on the senior puzzle… there are some interesting events, such as going to every sporting event on campus, going to Drubber’s, walking the entire trail around campus, and having a final college meal in the Caf with friends,” Samuel Ishimwe, senior from Newton, said.

For those who have less time to enjoy the long list of traditions and events that Bethel offers, they are working toward final goals before graduation. This may beg the question of whether or not seniors have been given an appropriate amount of time to enjoy their final moments at Bethel.

“Right now, I’m just focusing on softball and finishing my senior project. Unfortunately there’s not much time to go do stuff because there’s so much going on at the end of the year and so much to finish,” Dwyer said.

As far as their expectations for the actual graduation ceremony, students are generally hopeful that they will have a decent opportunity to enjoy the day.

“I am looking forward to graduation so that I can celebrate with my friends and family all of the successes and achievements accomplished during our time at Bethel. My class has been through a variety of lows and highs during my four years at Bethel, which makes me excited to celebrate these triumphs with those that have been here through it all!” Alayna Wallace, senior from McPherson and student body president, said.

With senior year quickly coming to a close for these students— and quickly approaching for junior students, who recently had to complete their request for graduation—current seniors had parting advice for future graduates.

“Bethel can be hard, but never give up. You have people that are rooting for you and want you to succeed in life, so don’t give up and thrive to be the best you can be,” Dwyer said.

Amidst unforeseen circumstances, accommodations, laughter, trials and unexpectedly memorable moments, Bethel seniors will complete their time at Bethel come May.

“I would encourage future graduates to strive for the delicate balance between being sad that you are leaving Bethel while being excited about the next chapter. I would also tell them that however they feel about graduating is valid and it is okay to feel however they feel. While this is the end of a chapter it is really just the beginning of another. I would tell them that they are a Thresher… go ahead and roll on!” Wallace said.

The soft ball team honors seniors with their families on the field. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel