Astha Dave, Staff Writer —
On Feb. 23, the Senior Class Legacy Challenge (SCLC) hosted a gathering for seniors at Seek No Further Cidery. A long-standing Denison tradition, the SCLC encourages each graduating class to give back by contributing to their class gift, leaving a lasting impact on the university that has shaped them. This event offered seniors a chance to step off the Hill, reconnect with friends, and live the final stretch of their Denison journey.
The large wooden table on the ground floor of the cidery was occupied by SCLC organizers Tara Culibrk ‘23, Assistant Director of Early Engagement – Alumni and Family, and Thomas Ferris, a senior SCLC member. They handed out drink tickets to seniors who had made a donation, each receiving two free drinks with the opportunity to direct their contribution toward a cause they cared about within Denison.
“SCLC is a fund that supports everything on campus, so it’s encouraging seniors to give toward what they like. You can literally give to your favorite professor for a raise, your favorite sports team, or your student organization,” Culibrk said.
The goal of the donations is to enhance campus life and amplify the experiences of future Denisonians. SCLC plans to host three to four more events like this in different locations on campus.
Throughout the evening, seniors filtered in and out, catching up with friends on the cidery’s first floor. Conversations buzzed about post-graduation plans, job searches, and the bittersweet nature of their final semester. The room carried a mix of excitement and nostalgia as students reflected on their time at Denison and looked ahead to the future.
“I think it’s nice for the campus to recognize senior year. You’ve gone through four years of hard work. Now, you can lay back a little and hang out,” said Doyle Catlin, a senior on the men’s soccer team.
While excitement filled the air, many seniors also shared a sense of uncertainty about entering the real world. One table, filled with students in cozy sweaters, echoed with laughter as friends clinked glasses of golden cider and exchanged hugs.
“It’s a little strange, but at the same time, it’s interesting to reflect on how much I’ve grown and matured over the last four years,” Grace Cirimele ‘25 said. “I’ve gained a lot more understanding of adulthood and life in general. But with graduation coming up, there’s definitely some uncertainty. I’d say all of us are at different levels of preparedness for what comes next.”
As the event wrapped up around 6 PM, seniors began heading out, ready to tackle the week ahead. Hugs and smiles filled the air as they made their way back, cherishing these final moments together before stepping into the next chapter of their lives.