Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Recession leads to cancellation of senior cruise
By Thomas Gounley
The New Hampshire, U. New Hampshire
April 24, 2009

They didn't know it then, but as the members of the University of New Hampshire's class of 2008 ate and danced aboard the M/S Mount Washington last May, they were enjoying what would turn out to be the last hurrah for what was billed as a "Last Hurrah" cruise.

The traditional cruise, offered to graduating seniors the Saturday before commencement as part of the kick-off of Senior Week, isn't being held anymore.

In the past students would take buses to Weirs Beach, where they would embark on a two to three hour cruise around Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the M/S Mount Washington. The cruise included a dinner buffet and cash bar, and one level of the ship was reserved for music and dancing.

The Alumni Association previously coordinated the event. Lynn Smith, the alumni programs coordinator, said there were two reasons for the cancellation.

"The first factor is that it's a huge liability," said Smith, who estimated there are typically between 500 and 550 students who attend the cruise.

Smith cited the economy as the second reason for the abandonment of the tradition.

"We could not make this affordable for graduates to participate in," said Smith who explained that last year the cruise cost $110 per participant, a steep price that would have been raised this year.

Seniors had mixed reaction to the cancellation of the Senior Week tradition.

Senior Meaghan Odell said she would probably have gone on the cruise if it was offered.

"I had several friends last year who went on the cruise and they said it was a blast," said Odell.

However, she also realized the need to make Senior Week events affordable.

"Graduates' minds are on starting to save money, finding work, preparing for grad school, or getting ready to pay off student loans... all in a time when the economy is so bad," continued Odell. "I think that these kinds of activities are just out of their price range."

Senior Stu Dias, however, wasn't even aware of the senior cruise tradition, and said he wouldn't have gone anyway. He said he felt the reasons for the cancellation of the cruise were valid.

The Alumni Association is actively looking for an event to replace the cruise, although nothing will be added this year. The association started student focus groups in December to seek input.

Although no event was decided upon, the students did suggest improvements to the Alumni Association's Annual Down East Lobster Bake.

"We're very excited to have a live band this year," said Smith, who said The Whatnot will be playing.

The lobster bake will be held following commencement practice on Friday, May 22 at Throws Field, which is next to Cowell Stadium. Tickets for the event cost $50, and also include a commencement DVD and chance to win raffle prizes, including a widescreen TV.

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