One last walk through the arches is quickly approaching for this year’s 1,230 seniors.

The class of 2015 witnessed many historic St. Thomas moments. During the past four years:

• The Rev. Dennis Dease retired as president.
• President Julie Sullivan became the first woman and lay person to lead the university.
• The Johnnies upset the Tommies twice in football.
• Mary the Sandwich Lady retired.
• The 2012 volleyball team as it won its first national championship.
• The Murray-Herrick Campus Center became the Anderson Student Center.

Touring the Anderson Student Center for the first time as a freshman is one of senior Harry Aslesen’s fondest St. Thomas memories.

“I was so excited about everything from the new cafeteria to the Tommie Shop to Scooter’s to Summit,” Aslesen said. “I remember just kind of being fascinated by everything, even the aesthetics of the building, as nerdy as that sounds.”

Senior exercise science major Whittney Bartkey said the Tommie-Johnnie sporting events were among her favorite memories.

“That’s probably the most you see the school spirit come out, and that’s super fun,” Bartkey said.

Ellisandra De Brito, a senior international student from João Pessoa, Brazil, said it’s hard to choose a favorite memory.

“There’s so many. If I have to pick one, I’d say … becoming friends with people all over the world,” De Brito said.

As far as advice for those who have some years left at St. Thomas, Aslesen kept it simple.

“Be nice to people,” he said. “Smile, and say hi.”

Senior health promotions major Kate Osterman said not to rule anything out.

“You walk in those arches a completely different person than when you walk out of them. Be open-minded and embrace change,” Osterman said.

De Brito, a general business and Spanish double major, said understanding that people come from different walks of life is important.

“I think you’re going to change somebody by showing what a positive life is instead of telling them what a positive life is,” De Brito said.

Bartkey reminded students to not be afraid of doing things alone.

“Even little things like going to the gym. When I was a freshman, that made me nervous – to go alone. And I realize now that’s just impractical to plan your life around other people,” Bartkey said.

Both Aslesen, who will work for Target after graduation, and Bartkey, who is considering graduate school, said their four years at St. Thomas have brought them renewed confidence.

“Even though I’m still kind of lost, at least I know I have a direction I’m headed in, and I know I can figure it out,” Bartkey said.

Baihly Warfield can be reached at warf3860@stthomas.edu.