The Leo D. Mahoney Arena was buzzing with excited basketball attendees on Feb. 28 as everyone found their seats for the start of the game. The stands were filled with students and Fairfield community members alike, all eager to watch our Stags take on Mount St. Mary’s University. For Fairfield seniors, however, this night was far more significant than a typical basketball game. It marked a milestone in their journey toward wearing a cap and gown—75 nights until graduation.
Every spring semester, the Fairfield University Student Association arranges events to celebrate seniors as they count down the days until they walk across Bellarmine Hall and receive their diplomas. At the 100-day milestone, FUSA had the Colony Grill food truck come to the Seagrape Cafe and provide seniors with free pizza. They also allowed seniors a nostalgic opportunity to sign their class photo taken four years ago, only a couple of days after their freshman-year move-in.
As this past Friday night marked the 75 nights until graduation milestone, FUSA arranged exclusive offerings for the class of 2025 at the basketball game. Fully decked out with a “Bubble Bar” for champagne, free koozies, spirited pom poms and taking a class photo, FUSA made sure that all seniors in attendance felt excited and celebrated. They also provided free Uber vouchers for seniors to be transported safely to and from the Arena for this special night. When my friends and I first got the email advertising this event, we knew it was something we did not want to miss.
Taking advantage of the free Uber vouchers, we arrived at the Leo D. Mahoney Arena as all of the excited attendees were filling through the doors. Pulling up our mobile tickets on our phones, we were kindly greeted by the Arena staff and welcomed to our 75 Nights celebration. The Arena was packed not only with Fairfield seniors but also with families, alumni and community members. Before the game had even started, the atmosphere in the Arena was one of celebration and camaraderie from people of all ages.
The student section was buzzing with energy, packed with Stags from every class year, but it was the seniors who truly stole the show with their overwhelming presence. The crowd was a sea of Fairfield spirit, with everyone proudly sporting their school colors. Among the sea of red and white, one particularly enthusiastic senior stood out, rocking a pair of bold red and white striped overalls that added even more excitement to the lively atmosphere.
Upon entering the Arena, there was a line where seniors could get a wristband for access to the champagne bar, and naturally, this is where my friends and I headed first. Chatting with my classmates in line and saying hello to friends that I have made over the past four years was incredibly heartwarming, and I couldn’t help myself from smiling throughout the entire night. Once we approached the front of the line, we were offered a choice of either orange juice or peach nectar with our prosecco. As a huge peach flavor fan, I picked a glass of peach nectar which was adorably garnished with a strawberry. My friends and I found our seats and eagerly cheered on the men’s basketball team as they took to the court.
The game was engaging from start to finish and ended with a Stags win of 68-62. In addition to the energetic game, there were also raffles, giveaways and audience participation in activities throughout the night. My friends and I cheered on our classmates who participated in a free throw competition against President Nemec and half-court putt to win ten thousand dollars (which unfortunately was not won). The most unexpectedly entertaining aspect of the game was the half-time Simon Says competition. Two teams of about ten students each went head to head in the most intense round of Simon Says I have ever seen. Ending in a tie between the last boys standing from either team, the audience was thoroughly entertained and laughing all during half-time. And, of course, the Fairfield University Dance Team performed an energetic and upbeat pom routine that added to the audience’s spirit.
As the countdown to graduation hits the 75-night mark, it’s hard not to feel a mix of emotions. While the thought of saying goodbye is undeniably bittersweet, the chance to celebrate this milestone with my classmates and closest friends has been so memorable. Coming together to share laughter, memories, and anticipation for the next chapter, reminds me how grateful I am for all that Fairfield has given me over the past four years.
For senior Roisin McCarthy, a member of the FUSA Programming team, these events carry even more significance. Not only does she get to celebrate with her peers, but she also plays a key role in bringing these memorable occasions to life. “We are beyond excited for our 50 Nights to Graduation event,” McCarthy shared. “In the first weekend of April, we’ve planned a special trip to Mohegan, where we’ll be busing seniors for a celebratory night!”
My friends and I are eagerly counting down the days until that event, and we’ve already marked it on our calendars. We can’t wait to join the rest of our class for another incredible evening of celebration, marking yet another milestone in our senior year.
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