Seniors reflect on their time at Centre

RELEASED: May 17, 2007

DANVILLE, KY—This Saturday marks an end and a beginning for the Class of 2007. After Tim Russert, political analyst and journalist, delivers the commencement address, yesterday's seniors will become tomorrow's graduates and face the prospect of stepping out into a brave new world.

Comments by class members convey a sense of excitement tinged with sadness. Below are some thoughts from graduating seniors as they approach the end of their four years at Centre College.

"I've absolutely loved my time here at Centre. From late nights at the library to hanging out with friends, this institution has been more fun, challenging and rewarding than I ever could have imagined. I have so many wonderful memories of Centre that I'll never forget and will always cherish. My advice to those who still have time left here is to embrace everything about this school and take a lot of pictures!"
—Mary Jane Saunier, international studies major, Winchester, Ky.

"Here's what I came up with while sitting on the steps of Old Centre this evening:As people we always need somewhere to sit and think about everything, about our lives, about our friends and about our experiences. My perfect spot is the steps of Old Centre at night when it's quiet. As I was looking around the campus and at the College seal I thought about my four years here. I've laughed, I've cried, I've learned, I've loved, I've had my heart broken and I've had my eyes opened to such a rich world of experiences.

"I've fallen in love with Centre and don't really ever want to leave; not because I don't want to leave college, but because I don't want to leave this little piece of heaven that we call home. I'll forever remember the bonds that I've formed with the students, faculty and staff of this marvelous institution. In fact, I don't think I've had one day in the past five that I haven't cried either from the joy of accomplishments or the sadness of leaving.

"Centre is and always will be my home and like all experiences that touch you, it will be forever in my heart. I'll never forget the hours I've spent sitting in Cowan, my sorority house, the Grille late at night or in class learning something new and exciting. This is such an amazing place and spending four years of my life here has been a true pleasure. I only hope that future graduates can learn to love Centre even half as much as I do now."
—Meg Wilson, chemistry major, Uniontown, Penn.

"I have so many fond memories (and many embarrassing moments) from my four years at Centre. Even though I'm excited to see what the future has in store for me, I know it's going to be extremely difficult for me to leave the place I hold most dear to my heart.

"Each August, when I would return to Centre for pre-season practice, I remember my eyes becoming filled with tears of happiness and excitement as I'd drive down Maple Avenue and see Breck in the distance (I know this sounds cheesy, but it's true!). Centre has had such a powerful effect on me. I feel that every dimension of my wellness has significantly improved from attending such an amazing institution. I love Centre!"
—Eileen Schilling, psychobiology and Spanish double major, Louisville, Ky.

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Founded in 1819, Centre College is ranked among the U.S. News top 50 national liberal arts colleges. Centre alumni, known for their nation-leading loyalty in annual financial support, include two U.S. vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. Consumers Digest ranks Centre No. 1 in educational value among all U.S. liberal arts colleges. For more, visit http://www.centre.edu/web/elevatorspeech/

For news archives go to http://www.centre.edu/web/news/newsarchive.html.