Outside the Hintz Family Alumni Center Wednesday afternoon, seniors partook in State College food, live music, connections with alumni and the chance to be together for one of the last times before graduation.
The Lion Ambassadors organized the annual Senior Sendoff.
"We're adults now. It's kind of rough," Matt Leon (senior-integrative arts) said. "You can only stay a student for so long."
Leon sat with Tyler Tarney on the lawn eating pizza.
"This is the best non-alcoholic party I've been to in a while," Tarney (senior-economics) said.
Seniors were not only treated to free food, but also to a DJ, a live band, raffles and lawn games.
Amy Leslie, president of Lion Ambassadors, said the main purpose of the Senior Sendoff was to promote the Alumni Association and to "enjoy one another as a class."
"This event is looked forward to each year," Leslie (junior-elementary education)said.
Inside of the Alumni Center, booths were set up for alumni interests. A booth for the Interfraternity Council/Panhel-lenic Dance Marathon informed seniors how to stay involved with Thon after graduation. Career services booths were available to help students transition from college into their careers, she added.
Seniors were also given the opportunity to sign up for the association at the Sendoff.
"It reminds you that you still have a connection to the school after graduation," Melinda Oravitz (senior-English education) said, referring to association membership. Oravitz said she signed up for the association.
Food was provided by Canyon Pizza, Philly Soft Pretzel Factory, Eat 'n Park, Wings Over Happy Valley, the Berkey Creamery and other local businesses.
"All the free food, the entertainment -- it's phenomenal," Eric Marcano (senior- economics) said.
Marcano said he enjoyed seeing his friends and was glad the weather remained in the 60s and the event was rain-free.
He added it was "bittersweet."
"Part of me has a hard time grasping that this is it," Carrie Adams (senior- biobehavioral health) said. "I think it's cool to be given something to do together."
