Students were given the chance to prepare Tuesday and Wednesday for graduation at Marshall University’s semi-annual Countdown to Commencement in the Memorial Student Center’s Don Morris Room.

During the event, graduating seniors registered to attend commencement and finalized all the steps leading up to their actual graduation day.

Commencement will be 10 a.m. Dec. 16 at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Marshall Registrar Sonja Cantrell said almost 1200 students are expected to cross the stage.

At Countdown to Commencement, students had the opportunity to look into post-graduation plans, have snacks and refreshments, purchase announcements and Marshall memorabilia and were fitted for and then purchased their caps and gowns.

Joey Dodrill, senior management major, said getting his cap and gown has probably been one of the most exciting experiences of his last semester.

“I’ve been looking forward to graduating since I started college practically, but now that I’m graduating, it’s bittersweet and I wish I had a little more time at Marshall,” Dodrill said. “I really loved the majority of my experiences here. The past four years have flown by, and I can’t believe I’m holding my cap and gown in my hands right now. It’s like the key to a new door.”

Another senior, Tre Jackson, will be graduating in May and said the past four years at Marshall are years that have sculpted his life for the better.

“My future is something I’m looking forward to,” Jackson said. “There’s so much this world has to offer, and Marshall has really given me a foundation to begin my career and build my life off of. I can’t wait to see what comes next after I walk across the stage in May and get my diploma”

Dodrill said the best part of his college experience has been the people he’s met while he’s been here.

“Whether it’s been a professor or another student, most that I’ve came in contact with have been awesome,” Dodrill said. “It’s something that I think will help me more in the long run than anything for letters of recommendation, references or just someone to connect with.”

Hunter Ellis can be contacted at [email protected].