1. "Words of Welcome" at the 2015 Senior Breakfast
Jona: Fellow seniors, welcome to Senior Breakfast 2015. Yes - this is really happening.
I'm Jona Eigege, outgoing Student Body President and one of over 850 students able to
graduate today. There’s so much to celebrate in this room today and I’m glad to be a part of
the amazing story that is our class! I invite you to relax a bit before the graduation ceremony,
talk with your friends, have a great breakfast, and enjoy your accomplishments!
Jonathan: And I'm Jonathan Hirte, Class of 2008 and a Calvin Alumni Association board
member. On behalf of the 60,000 alumni who have gone ahead of you I want to congratulate
you all on reaching this milestone and officially welcome you to the Calvin Alumni
Association!
Jona: Before breakfast comes, let’s thank Creative Dining again for the awesome breakfast
we’re about to enjoy. After we eat, there will be a draw for some great prizes--those of you
who RSVPed for today may walk out with some awesome gifts!
Jonathan: Some of you will be starting new jobs soon, while others of you will head to grad
school and I imagine a few of you are still figuring out your next steps. Regardless, I’d really
encourage you to keep in touch with the alumni office and view us as a resource - we can
help you find other Calvin alumni in a new city, provide career networking assistance through
uKnight, and keep you up to date on Calvin through our alumni magazine, Spark.
Jona: It’s been a great run….it seems like only yesterday we were jamming to Party in the USA
at Quest Opening Session. There have been ups - like winning a National Volleyball Title and
watching the city of Grand Rapids transform around us - and downs, like pretty much every
Monday. Regardless, one thing’s for sure - the past four, or five, or six years have shaped us
in ways we never imagined they could when we first stepped foot on campus. We are world
ready - and realizing that we’re following in the steps of people like Jonathan and the rest of
the Alumni Board - I’m excited for the impact we will make.
Jonathan: It doesn’t seem like it was all that long ago that I was sitting where you are this
morning but I’ve had the opportunity to experience a lot of great things since graduating from
Calvin. I’ve also grown in my appreciation of how Calvin prepared me for work and for life,
shaping my understanding of the world and God. As you move away from here, I urge you to
stay connected to this place. Please reach out to each other and to your alumni association
wherever you end up. We’re here to support you as you continue to learn and grow and we
look forward to your contributions to our school and alumni association.
Jona: So once again, welcome and congratulations! After devotions, we will have breakfast. I
know we are all hungry, but please wait until you are dismissed by the food service staff.
And now, please join me in welcoming our very own Pastor Mary who will lead us in
devotions!