Contact Information:
Buff Lindau, Public Relations
802.654.2536
blindau@smcvt.edu

For the 20th consecutive year Saint Michael's College students hosted area senior citizens in the very popular "Senior Prom," this year with the theme of "Sunset Serenade," on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the International Commons Building on campus.
"It was a terrific night (or afternoon ...) on the town," said more than one participant at the event. Every year the prom draws as many seniors as can be accommodated and is hosted by an equal number of college students, including members of athletic teams and service-activity regulars. Many participants return year after year, making it hard to fit in many newcomers.
First-year student Josh Miranda, an American studies major from Portsmouth, R.I., who spent the day decorating and the evening participating, said, "It was an honor to talk to people who had so many stories to share. I really enjoyed myself."
Heidi St. Peter director of student volunteer services, said "I always look forward to the Senior Citizen Prom; to see seniors - friends - return to campus for this event is something we all enjoy."
"The students once again provided a great evening of music, food, dancing and conversation," Ms. St. Peter said. "First-year students through seniors spent the entire day decorating and getting ready for this special event and still had energy to dance the night away."
Some 50 senior citizens from Ethan Allen Nursing Home, Pillsbury Manor, Burlington Health and Rehab Center, Milton Senior Center, Starr Farm, and other individuals, joined 50 college students for an evening of buffet dining, cake, dancing to Big Band and classic oldies with Deejay Jerome Allen '09, and the crowning of the King and Queen of the Prom. Each senior citizen guest was given a small boutonniere and prom photo.
Prom Coordinator Emily Bullis, a senior French and political science double major from Colchester, Vt., said "There is always a lot of organization involved in the Senior Prom, but it's well worth it when you see the excitement on people's faces when they walk in." She added, "My favorite part is watching the senior citizens teach the students how to dance, and seeing how much they are both enjoying the experience."
The other coordinators of this year's Senior Prom were: Heather Barss, a senior psychology major from New Boston, N.H., Paul Fanning, a junior business major from Medway, Mass., and Jolie Frechette, a senior political science and religious studies double major from Bellingham, Mass.
The Senior Prom is sponsored annually by MOVE, Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts, one of Saint Michael's most popular student organizations, which serves as a clearinghouse for numerous volunteer service opportunities. Part of the Office of Edmundite Campus Ministry, MOVE brings to life the service part of the Edmundite tradition. Throughout the academic year, MOVE core team student leaders recruit participants for programs that range from one-time activities tutoring Winooski youngsters a few blocks away to week-long extended service trips in cities across the U.S. and around the world.
Learn What Matters at Saint Michael's College, the Edmundite Catholic liberal arts college. Saint Michael's provides education with a social conscience, producing graduates with the intellectual tools to lead a successful, purposeful life that will contribute to peace and justice in our world. Founded in 1904 by the Society of St. Edmund and headed by President John J. Neuhauser, Saint Michael's is identified by the Princeton Review as one of the nation's
Best 371 Colleges. It is one of 270 colleges and universities nationwide, and one of only 20 Catholic colleges, with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. Saint Michael's has 1,900 undergraduate students, some 500 graduate students and 100 international students. Saint Michael's students and professors have received Rhodes, Woodrow Wilson, Pickering, Guggenheim, Fulbright, and other grants. The college is one of the nation's Best Liberal Arts Colleges as listed in the 2009
U.S. News & World Report rankings. Saint Michael's is located just outside Burlington, Vermont, one of America's top college towns.
Photo: Josh Miranda dancing with a guest at Saint Michael's 20th "Senior (citizens) Prom"