by Salina Ronderos
Staff Writer
Caps, gowns, tears and fears will still be evident, yet this year’s commencement exercises will not include the annual end-of-the-year party.
Last year’s party at the Claremont Inn, formerly known as Griswolds, reportedly created problems and damage, and the hotel addressed a letter to President Stephen Morgan, notifying him of the events that occurred.
According to sophomore Jennifer Pashone, Associated Student Federation (ASF) Forum member, the letter was non-threatening.
“Basically, the letter just alerted Dr. Morgan of what happened. In no way was it a complaint letter and I’m sure they would love to have our business again,” said Pashone.
According to Dr. Morgan, an investigation into the events of the party showed that ULV students were not responsible for the party’s mishaps.
According to Rich Quesada, ASF president, there is too much liability involved in a party of that size.
“It is an open party, meaning anyone can attend, so things can really get out of hand,” said Quesada. ”Seniors invite their family and friends and then their friends bring their friends and it just accumulates into too many people.”
Another reason why the event will not take place, according to sophomore Tracey Landisi, ASF secretary, is the lack of security.
“We have never had a problem with ULV students or their guests. It’s people who come in from the outside that we have a problem with. For instance, a window was broken last year at the hotel and there was a lot of broken glass,” said Landisi.
Former ASF President Chris Braunstein, stated another possible reason for the cancellation of this year’s party.
“I guess some people were caught skinny dipping—how tacky,” said Braunstein.
According to Landisi, all of the regular end-of-the-year activities will continue.
“I don’t feel it is a great loss. All of the other graduation commencement activities will still take place, such as the senior breakfast and the senior luncheon,” said Landisi.
Senior Mack Reliford agrees with Landisi.
“It doesn’t bother me that they are not going to have it. I probably wouldn’t have gone anyway. It ain’t nothing to get excited for,” said Reliford.
Not all seniors are taking the decision to cancel the end-of-the-year party as lightly as Reliford.
Senior Heidi Rudin is upset that people took advantage of the party last year and caused this year’s cancellation.
“It is frustrating and I take it personally because I am a senior. It closes your social connection to your friends at school. Everyone goes, so it’s one of the only events throughout the year that has the greatest turnout,” said Rudin.
According to Melissa Jaunal, coordinator of student programs, risk management concerns are the biggest issue for the cancellation of the party.
“ASF could still plan an end-of-the-year party, just not in the manner it has been,” said Jaunal.
According to Quesada, an ASF committee is looking into doing something in lieu of the party, but no plans are definite as of yet.
