Tina Holst, senior agribusiness major, prepared to graduate at Countdown to Commencement on March 13 with the same friends that she shared her first class with.

“It has been a beautiful experience at this University, and I am so grateful to have made the journey with some of the same faces since freshman year,” Holst said.

Holst and her friends were among 580 graduating seniors that attended Countdown to Commencement, an event for graduating seniors to order everything they need for graduation.

The seniors could also pay their graduation fees and join the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Alumni Association for a discounted rate during the event in Velzy Commons in Ullsvik Hall.

Countdown to Commencement is sponsored by the UW-Platteville Alumni Services and occurs once every semester.

Sue Lindholm, Office Manager and Bookkeeper for Alumni Services, said the turnout of 580 students is good for a graduating class of over 900 students.

“I’ve received feedback from students stating (their) appreciation for the ease of taking care of everything needed for graduation.” Lindholm said.

Melissa Matey, senior forensic investigation major, said she also thought the event was convenient for her.

“Everything was taken care of in less than ten minutes,” Matey said.

Students who attended the event had the opportunity to win prizes including a one-year Alumni Association membership, $150 Apple Gift Card, a cap and gown for no cost and an official college ring.