The University of Indianapolis is hosting a “Countdown to Commencement Senior Success Series” to teach graduating seniors life skills beyond the classroom.
The events are organized by the Office of Student Engagement and Belonging, in cooperation with the Professional Edge Center and the Office of Advancement. The advancement office, also known as the “alumni office,” oversees alumni relations.
“The ‘Countdown to Commencement Senior Success Series’ is a compilation of workshops for seniors to engage with to get skills to enhance their understanding of what real life is,” Director of Student Engagement Alexis Fort said.
She listed topics such as financial responsibility, buying cars and houses, and connecting with alumni. Fort said workshops are held weekly from now throughout most of the remainder of the semester, generally on Wednesdays.
Vice President of Advancement Philip Thornton described the ‘Senior Sunrise’ event, which is a conclusion to the Countdown to Commencement series. Thornton described the ‘Senior Sunset’ as a networking and social event, and Fort called it the series “finale.”
“After Commencement, this [Stierwalt] Alumni House is now their [graduating seniors’] house, right?” Thornton said. “They’re now alumni. This is a place where they [graduating seniors] should feel welcome, and to come visit and to be a part of alumni events that occur here.”
Senior Director of the Professional Edge Center Kirk Bryans said his office organized an etiquette dinner as part of the series. According to Bryans, this event was open by invitation only to all seniors and some other students.
“So most people hear ‘etiquette dinner,’ and they think it’s super posh and very formal and very serious,” Bryans said. “And that is not the way the Professional Edge Center likes to do things. We like the environment to be relaxed and one in which everyone has fun and they learn things at the same time.”
Associate Director of ProEdge Brittany Dyer said she hoped the event would prepare seniors for formal dinners at conferences with workplace management or in other post-graduate settings, such as weddings. Additionally, Bryans said that Jon Colby, a comedian and corporate speaker, was the keynote speaker for the event. Bryans said Colby helped relax the environment at the dinner and emphasized the importance of communication.
Dyer said she wanted students to know that ProEdge can help with etiquette, job offers and professional attire, in addition to their well-known focus on cover letters and resumes. Thornton said he wants students to know that they can stay connected with the Alumni Office after graduation, and that he hopes the ‘Senior Sunset’ will be a gateway to keep them connected and engaged.
