A Proper Send-off

EWU’s annual Senior Send-off procession — in which graduating seniors reverse course through the Herculean Pillars they traversed as incoming freshman — took on particular poignancy this spring. These seniors were members of the so-called “covid class” of 2024. Each began their Eastern journey during lock-down, a time when remote learning and event restrictions replaced typical classroom and campus interactions — including the tradition of incoming students “passing through the pillars.” Nicole Aguilar, 22, a communications major from Alaska, was among the seniors at the send-off event. “I didn’t enter through the pillars, so this was surreal,” Aguilar said. “I’m so glad we were able to experience it going out.” Photo by Luke Kenneally.