Lingo, Hays discuss senior class goals
By Matthew Purucker · News Editor
With fewer than 100 days left for the class of 2026 at Grove City College, the collective eyes of the seniors turn to May 9, the day of commencement.
However, as Senior Class President Jackson Hays said, seniors should not want to race through their last semester at the college. He emphasized that point in his speech during the 101 Days until Graduation Dinner Jan. 28.
“If graduation is the finish line, we’ve already (rounded) the last corner. We’re on the final straightaway. We can see the line ahead of us,” Hays said. “But what do you do when you’re on the straightaway? Do you ease up? Do you say I’ve (run) hard enough already? No, you finish strong. You put the pedal to the metal, and you give it all you have.”
“And that’s my encouragement to all of you today. Finish strong. Love well. Take advantage of the time you have.”
Hays talked about the senior class’s two-part gift: a display of the alma mater in the Pew Fine Arts Center atrium and additional water fountains with bottle fillers in various “high traffic” areas around campus.
“I really like this because basically all two parts cover the historical and sentimental level of the college, while also bringing value and functionality to the college as well,” Hays said.
Lingo echoed Hays’s remarks during his speech, encouraging seniors to make the most of the important time they have left at the college and stay connected with alumni, professors and the community at large.
“As Jackson said, you’re in the homestretch, but you’re not done yet,” Lingo said to close his speech. “You have 100 days, so make each one of them count.”
Lingo said he wished he had stayed in touch with his professors and mentors after leaving the college, emphasizing his enjoyment celebrating his 25th reunion at Homecoming in October.
“It’s really special to be here, to be able to walk with these seniors through their last 100 days,” Lingo said. “I wish I had four years to have spent with them, but it’s wonderful whenever we can see students be launched into their callings. It’s a wonderful thing.”
After the speeches, seniors shared thoughts on graduating, connecting with friends and acquaintances. Senior Director of Alumni and College Relations Melissa MacLeod encouraged seniors to continue to connect with the college as alumni.
“I hope that over the next 100 days, you will be intentional about your time here, that you will enjoy the community that you have here, because there are many alumni who I talk to every day who would love to be in your seats right now,” MacLeod said during her speech.
The menu for the dinner included several types of pasta, main dish meats, berries and desserts. “This 100-day dinner did not exist back in 2000,” Lingo, a 2000 graduate of Grove City College, said. “It’s a great new tradition that I’m really glad we have because it’s important that students are intentional about the way they spend their last 100 days so they can finish strong.”
