91����

In St. Patrick’s Coffee Shop last Saturday night, 91����’s California Seniors bustled excitedly among each other. It was a few minutes before 11:00 p.m., at which point their collective journey of crafting their Senior Theses would be complete. Tutor and Registrar John Baer waited at his computer to receive the documents; Assistant Dean Dr. Jared Kuebler and Resident Assistant Sarah Kaiser prepared to hand out congratulatory drinks. One room over, students were ready to roll in carts of celebratory pizza. The excitement built itself up into a taut suspense, the deadline creeping closer by the second.

Suddenly, within moments of the 11:00 deadline, the final student burst into the coffee shop, flash drive in hand. The room burst into cheers, friends embracing each other as the tutors in attendance smiled on. They had done it: The members of the California Class of 2022 had all turned in their theses.

A labor of love and intellect, the TAC Senior Theses are extensive papers, for which students choose and research the topics, with the oversight of a tutor of their choice. The completion of this paper marks a significant landmark for students as their 91���� careers draw to a close.

In a toast, California Dean John Goyette commended the students for their hard work. “This is the beginning of the end,” he said, “and a huge accomplishment.” The turn-in party, he continued, “reminds me of when I was a student,” as “turning in your thesis is one of your first major intellectual achievements.”

Seniors mingled with one another, recounting stories from the year and exchanging toasts. Amid the celebrations, Dr. Kuebler remarked, “It’s great to celebrate with the Seniors. I know a lot of them feel like it’s all downhill from here. It’s a big moment for them.”