Flurries of excitement at Senior Salute: December grads gear up for winter commencement

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2024, December graduates gathered in the McIntosh Conservatory for the semi-annual Senior Salute. 

The graduates, buzzing with anticipation, formed a line to collect their cap and gowns. To many, this regalia symbolizes years of hard work, late-night studying and countless memories on Oklahoma Christian’s campus. After acquiring their regalia for the big day, senior students were directed to a series of booths designed to ensure they are ready for the culmination of their college journey. 

Representatives from financial services, career services and other departments assisted students with final preparations. At the end of the line, a special gift awaited — a souvenir t-shirt marking their transition from student to alumni. 

Graduating from college is a significant achievement. According to The National Center for Education Statistics, 52 percent of students at private universities complete their degrees. When these students don their cap and gowns and walk across the stage, they will join that proud percentage. 

For many, their time at Oklahoma Christian includes more than just their academic accomplishments; it also was a period of growth. 

Criminal justice major Emily Martinez reflected on her time at Oklahoma Christian. 

“The thing I will miss the most about OC is that I really did find myself here,” Martinez said. “I found the person I always wanted to be. I’ve become my own person.” 

Martinez’s words echo the sentiments of many seniors who will look back at their college career with nostalgia and pride. 

With graduation, the question of what comes after is prevalent among the students in the Conservatory. Martinez explained what she plans to do after finishing her degree.

“I recently applied for the OKC PD because I want to do homicide work, but I have to be a police officer for two years. They pay for my time in the academy and for my time as a rookie,” Martinez said. 

But despite those who have plans in place for the future after they walk across the stage, there is still a sense of apprehension towards leaving the bubble of university life. Martinez shared her feelings on the transition.

“I don’t know how I feel entering the workforce,” Martinez said. “This is where our entire life leads to so it’s really scary, but it’s also really fun because you get to be a big kid.”

For the soon-to-be graduates, Senior Salute serves as a bittersweet reminder of the place that has shaped them up to this point and a warm embrace for what the future holds.