With deadlines, grad shoots and commencement speeding up toward the big day of graduation, the class of 2026 of Saint Mary’s College is taking time to celebrate Senior Week. Seniors Mary O’Connell, Brooke Greer and Gwyneth Sheffer were responsible for planning the festivities of Senior Week.
Sheffer explained that planning started around the previous spring semester just after Junior Mom’s Week 2025. The head start was a result of how their work extended beyond their final week on campus as they reflected on their past four years working alongside fellow class councils both past and present.
Highlighting the work of former class council representative Caroline Krichner ’24, the three credited a binder that she left behind for future councils, as a helpful resource.
“She had pictures and links to every single auction item, like the detail that she went into for this binder was so incredible,” Sheffer said.
With the guidance of previous class representatives and administration, the trio worked to keep ticket costs low through fundraising, auctions and merchandise sales. Throughout the year, they raised about $11,000.
“We do get a budget every year too, but it’s especially those auction items where a lot of the funds for what we do this week comes from,” O’Connell said.
Varying ticket options allowed students to make their own Senior Week Package. The base ticket was set at $50, with additional activities advertised as add-ons. Information for tickets and events was made available via emails sent directly to graduates, as well as in online posts on the class council’s Instagram.
Festivities kicked off Saturday night with the add-on event of a South Bend Cubs game in which students enjoyed a private suite section, received merch and a full buffet. No events were hosted Sunday in respect of Mother’s Day. Monday invited seniors to scrapbook from 11 a.m to 1 p.m., followed by a 21st birthday celebration for Opus Hall from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
A standout in the week’s event included the Round Bar Winery in Baroda, Michigan, which the council booked. Although the event came with an additional $50 fee, it included transportation to and from the venue, a wine-tasting course, food and a souvenir glass for attendees.
Wednesday will host an Alumnae Brunch in Noble Family Dining Hall, alongside Traditions Day in honor of the legacy of graduating Belles. Thursday will be followed by Senior Formal, and Friday will conclude with hooding ceremonies.
Reflecting on her time on the council, O’Connell reveled in the feeling of finally being able to enjoy the work of the council.
“It’s been kind of surreal to actually be participating in Senior Week now, because for four years, we’ve been in the supporting roles helping make sure everything runs smoothly and checking people in and putting 1000 wristbands on hands,” O’Connell said. “Being able to finally, like, participate in all of the activities and just take a step back and relax and have fun with it, has been so great.”
In a final statement, Greer spoke on the impact that the memories of Senior Week hold for many alumni. After speaking with a former Belle who said that Senior Week held some of the best memories of her college experience, Greer expressed gratitude for being a part of the process.
“It’s such a privilege to be in the role to help create those memories for us because we’ll look back on those as well. On those as well. So, it was just amazing. We get to take that with us forever,” Greer said.
