With spring commencement less than three weeks away, seniors are preparing for the beginning of the rest of their lives. With the “big day” fast approaching they will have some opportunities to attend last-minute events in their own honor.
Students tend to agree on one thing: the friends, faculty and professors make the Ouachita experience what it truly is.
“The last four years of my life have revolved around the relationships I’ve formed on this campus,” said senior Sam Bushey. “I’m thankful for the way I’ve been collectively embraced by the students and faculty of this university.”
Student body president, senior Becca Woodall agrees. “Let God work through other people in your life because this really is a unique place and time in life that goes by so quickly,” she said. “Mostly I will miss the strong friendships I have developed at OBU with students, staff and faculty. But in particular I will miss my best friends who I have spent all four years with.”
Looking back on their Ouachita experiences the future graduates have mem-ories that only Ouachita could provide.
“Maybe this is corny, but I’m really going to miss Tiger Tunes way more than any normal person should,” Woodall said.
A Ouachita education leaves a significant impression on the students who attend this university.
“I never imagined how much I would learn in such a short span,” Bushey said. “I’m more than confident that I am on an even keel with competing job applicants, if not more prepared.”
Woodall, a Christian Studies major, “loved the Pruet School.”
“I will definitely miss all the professors I have studied under and being challenged by their teaching and their lives,” she said.
Dr. and Mrs. Horne will be inviting the senior class over to their home for the traditional senior picnic on Thursday, May 7 at 5 p.m.
“The senior picnic has been hosted by the President and his wife for at least 38 years [since 1971], perhaps longer,” said Phil Hardin, assistant to the president for administration. “Dr. and Mrs. Horne also invited a few faculty and staff leaders to attend the senior picnic.”
Bushey plans on attending. “I consider it an honor for Dr. Horne to invite us over for a meal,” he said.
Graduating seniors are expected to attend a commencement rehearsal at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 8. The spring commencement ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, on the Cone Bottoms Lawn.
Graduation brings about unusual feelings for those who are to walk across the stage. “It’s pretty bitter sweet,” Woodall said. “There is definitely as sense of accomplishment, but at the same time I’m not ready to leave this place behind.”
Bushey has similar feelings about leaving Ouachita. “It’s unique really, this feeling about May 9,” he said. “I have this keen excitement about the thought of life outside of what I’ve ever known, yet I’m not quite ready to be what some might call a contributing member to society.”
As they approach the end of their college careers graduates have memories of the Ouachita experience that will last a lifetime.
“Ouachita has far outweighed any expectations I could have ever conjured up on my own,” Woodall said. “It’s become home.”
