Senate plans senior party

In a time of increasing administrative regulation and elevated student frustration, Luther seniors will get an unprecedented opportunity to socialize at a Luther-sponsored party at the end of the year. The party, to be held May 21 at the Nob Hill restaurant after all finals have been completed, is a collaborative project between Luther’s Wellness Program and the Student Senate, and will include music from the Luther Jazz Orchestra, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

The decision to throw a Luther-sponsored party with available alcohol was made both in reaction to increasing student dissatisfaction with administrative regulation of college events and as a sigh of relief for seniors, celebrating their accomplishments and ushering them into a new stage of life.

“In the past few years Naked Soccer has gone away, Canoe Derby has gone away and now Trout Fry maybe, and the group that has been hit the hardest been the senior class,” Wellness Director Greg Lonning said. “This [event] is an opportunity for the seniors to have a party in a more controlled environment where alcohol is available.”

As of yet, there has been no vocal opposition to the idea of having alcohol at a Luther-sponsored event. Having a cash bar does not contradict Luther’s strict policy against using college funds to buy alcohol, but according to Student Senate President Colton Long (‘09), the focus of the event is not alcohol.

“People coming to this event know what the event is for,” Long said. “It isn’t to get wasted, and it isn’t to simply drink. Beer, wine and spirits will be available at a cash bar, but it is in no way the focal point of the event. As long as seniors are of age, there is no reason why they can’t have a beer or two at an event like this. Students at Luther are smart and responsible, and the administration recognizes this.”

Instead, coordinators hope that the event might become a Luther tradition that honors senior’s accomplishments and brings together the college and the community.

“It’s going to be a sort of higher class social event for seniors ... an event that will bring people together in a community celebration,” Associate Dean for Student Life Jon Lund said.

For students, the party is meant to cap off their years at Luther with a celebration amongst their old friends.

“It is a tradition we are starting as a rite of passage where seniors can get together and remember all their hard work, their meaningful friendships and talk to professors,” Long said.

Sign-ups will be available soon for seniors interested in attending, and more information will be available in forthcoming advertisements. Expected cost will be around $10 and transportation will most likely be provided.