A semester-long string of events for graduating seniors culminated Wednesday morning as the Office of Student Life and the Office of Student Affairs held the annual Senior Breakfast.
About 400 seniors accepted the invitation to the free event, which was held in the Student Union lobby.
A DJ from WRUB radio played music during the breakfast and there was a slideshow of pictures from events throughout the year. Pictures during the show ranged from the Tony Hawk event last year to the freshman barbeque and bonfire four years ago.
Shaketa Redden, a senior studio arts major, said the breakfast was a way to say her formal goodbyes.
"I think it's a good idea to bring back moments to remember places. I actually remember this stuff," Redden said while she watched the slide show. "It's a very bittersweet moment. I'm excited to graduate but then saying goodbye."
Volunteers for the breakfast came from various academic departments, staff from Educational Opportunity Program, Academic Advising Services, Student Life and Student Affairs. Other sponsors included the ring vendors Jostens and the Alumni Association.
At each seat there was a card that read: "On behalf of the university we wish you well as you pursue your dreams and face the exciting challenges of the future. It is our hope that your education and experience at UB have provided you with the foundation for a fulfilling life."
As the crowd for the breakfast grew, old friends were reacquainted and conversation buzzed around the Union lobby.
For a lot of seniors, the breakfast was a chance to remember and say goodbye.
"I thought it would be nice to have one last chance to bond with my fellow classmates," said Jocelyn Moses, a senior health and human services major. "I think it's important to remember what you have gone though."
"I see pictures of things that I recognize," said Colleen McDale, a medical technology major. "I'm happy I'm going to be done."
Several students said while the memories were nice, they were also there for the free breakfast.
Some of the attending seniors had yet another reason for going to the breakfast.
"It was an excuse to skip class for breakfast," said Michelle Edwards, a senior English major.
While she said she didn't have any emotional reasons for attending, Edwards said she was starting to feel said that this was the last time she was going to see certain people she knew.
Many of the seniors agreed with Edwards, saying the breakfast was something of a reality check.
"It helps me realize that it's almost over," said David Schnider, a senior geographic information systems major.
"It's not real to me yet," said Karissa Godard, a medical technology major. "It hasn't hit me that I'm graduating."
