On Saturday night, seniors handed over copies of their papers to Dr. John Baer, registrar and associate dean. After submitting their work, each student rang the ceremonial “thesis bell” in St. Cecilia Hall to mark the occasion. The seniors cheered for each other, hugging and offering congratulations, then stayed to celebrate after the last of their classmates turned in his project.
For the rest of the night, St. Cecilia Hall was abuzz with excitement as students enjoyed snacks and drinks, sharing their sense of victory and looking forward to their thesis defenses in the weeks to come. Dr. Michael Letteney, dean of the California campus, toasted the students on their achievement, and all raised their drinks, cheering in response.
The occasion was one full of emotions, from relief and excitement to the bittersweet feelings of the beginning of the end. “It feels so surreal, and so joyful,” said Julia Nicely (’25). “I’ve seen so many seniors before us turn in their theses and can’t believe that’s us now. The sense of accomplishment we all feel really unites us.”