May 15.
For underclassmen, it's the last day of finals - one more struggle to survive the rigor of Hopkins before relaxing during the summer months.
For seniors, it marks the beginning of Senior Week, an exciting series of events sponsored by the Class of 2003.
The events planned for this year are a vast improvement over past attempts to schedule activities for seniors between finals and graduation.
In past years, graduating seniors have suggested weeklong trips to Ocean City, Myrtle Beach and other oceanfront locations. But past proposals have been, almost without exception, prohibitively expensive. They've also rarely included plans that involve the entire senior class.
Class of 2003 officers have done much to ensure that these mistakes were not repeated this year.
With a wide variety of events planned for the week - art museum and brewery tours, a tour of Camden Yards, whitewater rafting, a senior formal and plenty of chances to dance and drink - seniors this year will not only have the chance to participate but should also be able find activities that match their interests.
The week's planners have also succeeded in adding much-needed social energy to campus. The Upper Quad will serve as the venue for one of the last parties at Hopkins that seniors will attend.
Finally, Senior Week this year promises to include an improved version of the only graduation week tradition previously held at Hopkins - the senior formal.
Last year's formal had its shortcomings. Seniors had to pay for drinks and dance in a dingy hotel ballroom. But this year, seniors will dance in the Sculpture Court of the Walters Art Gallery, while taking advantage of hors d'oeuvres and an open bar.
Thanks to senior class officers, the graduating class can look forward to an exciting week before graduation. As they did when selecting an innovative senior gift, these officers have set an example we hope future students will follow.
We hope that next year's Student Council pays attention to the achievements of the Class of 2003 officers, so that an exciting Senior Week becomes an honored tradition at Hopkins, rather than a one-year anomaly.
