Loyolapalooza 2012, a bittersweet occasion for seniors
By Sarah Fleming
Last Sunday, April 29th, students flocked to the quad for Loyola’s annual Loyolapalooza festival, which lasted from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. The day could not have been more ideal for the event: the sun was shining, it was warm, and students were able to enjoy a much-needed break from
schoolwork before finals week began. Groups of friends claimed their spots on the grass and bathed in the sun, waiting for the music to start. With maxi skirts, crocheted tops and oversized sunglasses abundant, Loyola seemed to transform into its own mini-version of Coachella.
For some of the students at the festival, however, last Sunday wasn’t all smiles. Painfully conscious of their impending graduation, many seniors I spoke with at the festival said that the day was bittersweet. “I’ve been anticipating Loyolapalooza all semester – I couldn’t wait for it!” said senior Carrie Sullivan. “But now that it’s here, I can’t help feeling a little sad that the semester is winding down.”
Senior Betsy Swanick shared similar sentiments. “I feel like this semester is going by so fast! I’m trying not to think about it and just enjoy spending time with my friends today but I know later, when I’m back at my room, I’ll be a little sad,” Swanick admitted.
Despite the underlying bittersweet feelings of the seniors, there was no denying that last Sunday’s Loyolapalooza was a huge success. The quad was absolutely packed with students. In fact, so many people came, in fact, that event services ran out of food tickets only a few hours into the event. This seemed to be the only hitch throughout the day, however, and students didn’t seem to mind as most stayed to watch the bands despite the lack of food.
The live music featured at Loyolapalooza this year proved to be another hit among students. “Some of my friends left early but then came back later just to listen to the bands,” said Swanick. First up was the band Beauty and the Greek, comprised of Loyola seniors John Herbster and Maria Dontas. Herbster and Dontas won the opening spot when they blew everyone away during the battle of the bands earlier this semester. After Beauty and the Greek’s set, Jack’s Mannequin took the stage as the headlining act.
With each end-of-the-year event, seniors get that much closer to commencement. “It’s obviously a scary time for all seniors,” Swanick told me, “but at least we get to come to things like this and deal with it together.” Senior Danielle Goeren also tried to keep her thoughts positive. “I don’t remember the last three Loyolapalooza festivals being this much fun,” Goeren said. “At least we’re going out with a bang!”
