As the class of 2013 prepares to graduate Saturday, seniors reflected on their four years at St. Thomas.

This year’s senior class saw St. Thomas’ St. Paul campus undergo many changes, including the construction of the Anderson Student Center and Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex, the Rev. Dennis Dease’s retirement announcement and the election of Julie Sullivan to replace him.

Senior Trina Sturlaugson said St. Thomas hadn’t been on her radar in high school, but she decided to take a walk through campus, fell in love, and hasn’t looked back.

“It’s some of the greatest years of your life. People told me that when I went into college and I didn’t believe them,” Sturlaugson said. “Looking back, I wish I could stay here three more years.”

Senior Ahmed Aldhafeeri decided to learn English and enroll at St. Thomas after visiting his younger brother when he was in school here.

“People here are very welcoming,” Aldhafeeri said. “I feel like I belong to this university.”

When it comes to advice for current and future Tommies, senior Bobby Ranallo said joining clubs had the biggest impact on his time at St. Thomas.

“It’s made my experience here so completely different and it’s the only thing you really absolutely have to do,” Ranallo said.

New buildings can go up and presidents can step down, but senior Mike Orth said the true spirit of St. Thomas isn’t in the campus, but in the people.

“I think that’s what makes St. Thomas so great is the caliber of people that we have here,” Orth said.

Baihly Warfield can be reached at warf3860@stthomas.edu.