ND, SMC graduate 2,311 in last class of millennium
By LAURA ROMPF
Assistant News Editor
Four years, 40 finals and 47 football games; hundreds of Yo-cream cones, walks around the lakes and candles lit at the Grotto; thousands of laughs, prayers and tears.
Countless memories and lessons learned.
Through each of these events, Notre Dame and Saint Mary's have left their mark on the 2,311 graduating seniors. And simultaneously, the Class of 2000 has left its mark on the University and the College.
One day, two commencement speakers and two valedictorians; hundreds of Kleenexes, photographs and hugs; thousands of relatives, diplomas and congratulations.
Countless smiles and promises to keep in touch.
And now, each of these events will mark the Class of 2000's final milestone at Saint Mary's and Notre Dame — Commencement.
Graduation marks a transition period for the seniors and thus, they are expressing mixed emotions.
"We all came here from different paths and different directions, to this one center. Here we have lived, laughed, loved and shared our lives together for the past four years," said Notre Dame senior Michela Anne Costello. "Now God is picking us up in his hands, pushing us in different ways and blowing us all over the world. However, I know we will be connected forever through Notre Dame, through faith, and through our friendships."
Notre Dame senior Margaret Oakar added that during this time, she is grateful that she was able to attend the University.
"If it wasn't for my parents, I would not have been able make all these friendships, advance academically and basically experience everything over the past four years. I am so thankful for my time here at Notre Dame," Oakar said.
One University seminar, two philosophies and two theologies; hundreds of hours studying, minutes in front of the computer and facts learned; thousands of facts forgotten, breadsticks ordered and walks to DeBartolo and Madeleva.
Countless tests passed and tests failed.
Through these common academic trials and tribulations, the seniors say they have formed bonds and lasting friendships they will treasure forever.
"I think that other than forming a really special bond with girls and making some great friendships, [Saint Mary's] has helped me become a stronger woman, leader and independent," Saint Mary's senior Jaclyn Fischer said.
Notre Dame senior Dennis Haraszko agreed, saying being in college is definitely a unique time in one's life.
"I believe this is the only time in my life where I will be surrounded by this many people of my own peer group, who are from the same background that I am, who can share a lot of the same experiences and who understand where I am coming from. I think that is a cool thing," Haraszko said.
"I got a great education and through these years, I got to meet a lot of people and make a lot of life-long friends," said Saint Mary's senior Elise Hall.
Two bars raided, eight Rallies in the Alley and 25 football-tailgating Saturdays; hundreds of formals and SYRs, quiet movie nights and freshman dorm parties; thousands of crushes, favorite party songs and dollars wasted.
Countless nights of counseling and being counseled.
Through these social events, seniors learned how to balance academics and realized that life is more than grades and their future salary. Seniors say that many lessons reach beyond the classroom.
"I used to think it was a bunch of garbage when people told me `college will be the time of your life,'" said Notre Dame senior Micah Murphy. "Although I was skeptical then, I believe it now and will realize it more fully when I'm gone and miss seeing the people and campus."
"I can still remember the first day, moving into the dorms. That day and the days following have produced some of my best friendships I've had for the past four years," said Notre Dame senior Meghan Farrell. "Because of everything we've done together — all the good times — I know these friendships will last forever."
One new Rolfs Sports and Recreational Center, four new dorms and six new Saint Mary's tennis courts; hundreds of construction sites, changes to the Main Building and computers in labs; thousands of new football stadium seats, ResNet connections and flowers planted.
Countless renovations made and future changes planned.
As the Class of 2000 changed and grew, so did the campuses around them. In their four years, the seniors say they experienced and witnessed tremendous growth.
"Over the past three years, I have met tons of people that have challenged me academically, spiritually and socially," said Notre Dame senior Michael Palumbo. "I know I have personally grown, but also the University has also changed around me. The students have taken the education Notre Dame provides, but have also contributed their own gifts and made Notre Dame more well-rounded for its future students."
"I feel like I've changed so much over the last four years. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life," Hall said. "I'm going to take Saint Mary's College with me — I will always have Saint Mary's with me."
One lifetime ahead, possibly seven jobs and 15 college reunions. Hundreds of future work days, nights at home and alumni football weekends. Thousands of diapers to change, dollars to lose to taxes and tears to shed because the bills keep coming.
Countless moments of gratitude for the higher education you received from Notre Dame and Saint Mary's. And endless wishes that they could — if only for a brief moment — return to college.
All News Stories for Friday, May 19, 2000
