Senior marketing and German major Regina Spielmann and senior operations of supply chain management and information systems double major Emily Bielefeld have been named the University of Indianapolis’ Senior Co-Chairs.
These new positions are dedicated to planning Senior Week, which includes daily events exclusively for seniors during Finals Week. The Senior Co-Chairs also are in charge of fundraising for, and selecting, a gift to the university from the graduating class.
“Some of the gift ideas that we are going to be using the money for is possibly getting some hedges that spell out ‘UIndy’ or maybe a fire pit in Schwitzer Park,” Spielmann said.
Senior Week will take place from April 27 through May 1 and will begin with an event for seniors at Midnight Breakfast.
“We’re going to have a pre-senior party at the president’s house before Midnight Breakfast, and then we’re going to let the seniors go in early, and they can eat first,” Spielmann said. “Pretty much kicking it [the week] off and making the seniors feel special from Midnight Breakfast all week through.”
On Tuesday of Senior Week, Bielefeld said the seniors will go back to President Robert Manuel’s house for a cookout.
“It’s just a fun, laid-back opportunity, and it’s going to be from 5 [p.m.] to 7 [p.m.], so it’s before night class, but you can come anytime during [the event],” Bielefeld said. “We will have music, games and fun stuff for people to do.”
Graphic by Kyle Dunbar
Seniors will get the opportunity to decorate their graduation caps on Wednesday in UIndy Hall. Spielmann said all the materials that will be used to decorate caps will be supplied.
“Also, Chick-fil-A will be helping us fundraise that day,” Spielmann said. “So whatever you buy at Chick-fil-A on Wednesday, the proceeds will go towards our senior gift.”
Senior Week will host Thursday’s event off-campus.
“Thursday is a senior night out and will be hosted at Revel nightclub downtown. It’s going to be really fun,” Bielefeld said. “It’s just seniors, so it will be a great opportunity to mix and mingle.”
On Friday, seniors will migrate back to downtown Indianapolis for an event hosted at the Skyline Club. Seniors and their families are invited, and it is a business casual event.
To help raise funds for the senior class gift, the Senior Co-Chairs also are hosting a silent auction in the Schwitzer Center Atrium that started Monday, March 23, and will end April 2. The Professional Edge Center and Alumni Association have donated gift baskets for the auction, and there also will be baskets for a pizza party and for reserved seating and parking at commencement.
“We are also donating a study group in the library with your friends and then dinner with the president,” Bielefeld said. “There’s actually going to be two baskets for that. They are each for two people, and he will take you out to St. Elmo’s, so that’s a big deal.”
All events for Senior Week are free to seniors. Buttons will be given to seniors at all events and will then serve as their pass for the remaining events.
Bielefeld said, “I am just excited to interact with all of the senior class throughout the week.”
