Molly Oldread ’26

by Molly Oldread ’26 on November 10, 2023

This past weekend, Oct. 20-22,  was Providence College’s annual  Senior Ring Weekend. This weekend centers around the celebration of the current senior class receiving their class rings and is the first senior celebration event of the year. The celebrations, which last all weekend, signify the beginning of the end for these students.

Festivities began on Friday night for the semi-formal event that took place on the lawn of the Ryan Business School from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Performing at the event was the student led band The Breeze, which made for an upbeat kickoff to the weekend. Students enjoyed appetizers and danced to the live music before  taking the shuttle to Twin River Casino in Lincoln, RI. 

The senior class ended the night surrounded by their peers in the casino before shuttles returned them to campus. Saturday was the formal dance, where attire was black-tie optional. Students entered Peterson in tuxedos or floor-length gowns to enjoy a meal with their fellow soon-to-be graduates. A professional photographer was hired for the event, along with a DJ for the dance floor. 

The event was held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. For those over 21, a bar was set up in addition to the catered food. Seniors and their dates enjoyed a meal before dancing the night away. Finally, the closing events that give Senior Ring Weekend its name took place on Sunday afternoon, as seniors went to Slavin to pick up their class rings, which were ordered last semester and had options for personalization. Family, friends, and fellow students came to support the senior class as they  had their rings blessed at a mass in the Peterson Center. Senior Ring Weekend has been a longstanding tradition at Providence College, despite the bittersweet atmosphere that it brings to campus. Senior students celebrate their accomplishments over the past three years and begin to say goodbye to the campus they have called home. It is a weekend many look forward to throughout their time at PC. With about 200 days until the class of 2024 graduates, the celebrations have officially begun.