All College
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May 4, 2023
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After the Sophomores feted the seniors with a Sunday brunch, the juniors of both coasts hosted formal dinners on Saturday in honor of the Class of 2023.

In New England, the juniors began by welcoming the seniors to the Bl. Pier-Giorgio Frassati Student Center for cocktails and charcuterie. After an hour of delightful conversation, the group sat down at the tastefully furnished tables for dinner, which began with opening remarks from Tyler Getlik (’24) and a prayer led by Head Chaplain Rev. Greg Markey. Elizabeth Langley (’24) prepare the evening’s fare with the help of a dedicated team of student volunteers from all classes.

Photos: New England
  • Chatting over drinks
  • Students at one of the tables
  • Four at a table
  • Several at a table
  • Several at a table
  • Servers serve the main course
  • A student gives a toast
  • The audience laughs
  • Four at a table, chuckling
  • A student gives a toast
  • Onlookers laugh
  • A student gives a toast
  • Onlookers chuckle
  • Students toast
  • A student gives a toast
  • A student gives a toast
  • A student gives a toast
  • Dr. Gardner laughs
  • The audience listens to a toast
  • A student couple dances
  • A student couple dances

In California, meanwhile, juniors and seniors in fine attire mingled over cocktails in the academic quadrangle before making their way to the Chapel plaza for dinner itself. Sophomore volunteers dressed in black and white served hors d’oeuvres and prepared for dinner at tables decorated with floral arrangements and eucalyptus branches.

Photos: California
  • Six men pose, seated on the steps of the Chapel
  • Servers carry around food-trays
  • Two pose for a photo
  • Five pose together
  • Students chatting in clusters on the quad
  • Students seated at long tables set up on the quad
  • One chuckles
  • A student gives a toast
  • Another student gives a toast
  • Students listen to the toasts
  • Another student gives a toast
  • Another student gives a toast
  • About two dozen pose for a photo
  • Solo moves on the dancefloor
  • Student couples dance
  • Three pose for a photo
  • Student couples dance
  • Student couples dance
  • Student couples dance
  • Student couples dance
  • Student couples dance
  • Student couples dance
  • Student couples dance

On both campuses, with dessert came the time for making toasts. A common theme among the juniors was gratitude for the example set by Class of 2023. The seniors, for their part, thanked the juniors for their spirited embrace of the College’s life and culture. “As the first class to spend four years on this campus, it was up to us to form the culture from the ground up,” said John Metilly (NE’23), toasting the New England juniors. “When you came in as freshmen, you also helped strengthen the culture. I hope that you continue what you’ve been doing and help lead this school closer to Christ by your example.”

Keeping with tradition, both celebrations concluded with dancing. In California, the upperclassmen convened in the Fritz B. Burns Auditorium of St. Cecilia’s Hall, which was decorated with nostalgic memorabilia of the last four years. In particular, one wall in the foyer was dedicated to the memory of the late Maggie Yanoschik (CA’23), where many of the dancegoers paused in reflection and prayer.

“It was a beautiful night,” reflected Peter King (CA’24). “You could really tell that these were good friends saying goodbye.”