At an exclusive event last Wednesday, the senior class held a stylish kickoff party to launch an 88-day countdown to graduation. The reception featured impressive student performances, heartfelt speeches from Chancellor Yu and Vice Chancellor Lehman, and culminated in a champagne toast at 20:18. Held in the 15th floor colloquium space, the event was jointly organized by the Student’s Commencement Committee and the Office of Student Life. In keeping with tradition from last years’ inaugural class, the toast marked the beginning of a series of events leading up to Commencement, which will take place on May 23rd. Surrounded by decorative photos from their four years on campus, seniors elected two of their peers, Mengzhu Chen and Kadallah Burrowes, to travel to the NYU All-University Commencement Ceremony this coming May at Yankee Stadium as class representatives. Chen is also Chair of the Student’s Commencement Committee, and was clearly pleased at the success of the event. “[I’m] really excited and touched to see so many people show up and having a good time,” she remarked. “I think [the event] made it real for many that we are indeed graduating.” During the festivities, guests enjoyed performances from fellow classmates, including members of the NYU Shanghai Reality Show and an enthusiastically received dance mash-up from members of the XLS Dance Club. Seniors also nominated peers via QR code for class superlatives such as “Most Likely to be Late to Graduation” and “Best Couple.” Just before the champagne toast, Vice Chancellor Lehman and Chancellor Yu took the stage to reminisce on the path to graduation and express their pride towards the seniors’ accomplishments. “I am also the second child of my family,” Chancellor Yu addressed the crowd with a smile, brandishing his flute of champagne. “So I understand how a ‘second child’ is feeling. But you [all] have done very well.” Vice Chancellor Lehman echoed Yu’s characterization of the Class of 2018 as a ‘second child,’ encouraging students to reflect on their relationships formed at NYU Shanghai, and to consider their college experience “part of your ongoing identity.” The Student’s Commencement Committee will sponsor several events during the 88 Days countdown, beginning with “Purple Day” on March 14th, which will be a celebration of university pride. This article was written by Luc Riesbeck. Please send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit: NYU Shanghai