As of Monday afternoon, more than 700 students had signed up to attend the farewell celebration in honor of the Rev. Dennis Dease Tuesday, April 30, on John P. Monahan Plaza.

Because of all the things Dease has done in his 20-plus years leading the university, Campus Life director Margaret Cahill said she expects to have a large turnout for the event.

“I mean, it’s Father Dease. He has done amazing things for students over last 22 years here,” Cahill said.

Based on the numbers, Cahill said it is evident that students are already excited to attend.

“It’s really fun to see students when they hear about the event. They’ll go, ‘How can I sign up?’ What can I do?’” Cahill said.

Campus Life and a small student group organized the event and dubbed its attendants members of “Father Dease’s Farewell Crew,” a spin-off of “Father Dease’s Move-in Crew.”

Student group member sophomore Jessica Algoo said the group has been planning the celebration since last semester.

“We brainstormed the best respectful, yet impactful, ways to show our appreciation for Father Dease and discussed how best to contact the student body about showing up for the event,” Algoo said.

Cahill said in a similar fashion to Dease’s Move-in Crew, which is a group of students who help move incoming freshmen into their residence halls on move in day, participants will be given T-shirts.

Cahill encouraged students to sign up and join Dease’s Farewell Crew to participate in the celebration, but students who don’t sign up are still welcome to attend.

“The sign up is to help get an idea for T-shirts and sizes. If you sign up ahead of time, obviously you’ll get a T-shirt for sure,” Cahill said. “But if you are not sure and you suddenly find yourself able to make it that day, come down to the plaza and have lunch.”

In addition to the shirts, Cahill said lunch, ice cream and cupcakes will be provided for students who attend. Some of the festivities include music, a short ceremony for Dease and a celebratory march through the arches.

If the weather is poor, Cahill said the celebration will still go on in James B. Woulfe Alumni Hall.

Students will have the opportunity to thank Dease at the event by signing a large banner. Cahill said the banner will be around campus within the next couple weeks, too.

“I just think it’ll be the one event for students to be able to say thank you and have an opportunity to greet him,” Cahill said.

Undergraduate Student Government President senior Mike Orth said he will speak at the event.

“I’m honored to give my last speech at St. Thomas about our outgoing president who has done so much for our university,” Orth said. “(Dease) deeply cares about our university. He instantly commands any room he walks into, not by being loud, but through making everyone else feel like they have an important role to play.”

Senior Collin Kearney said he plans to attend the celebration and hopes to talk to Dease.

“I’m not sure (if I’ll talk to Dease). I’m guessing he will be a busy man,” Kearney said.

Freshman Alexa Fryer said she plans to support to attend Dease, although she doesn’t know him on a personal level.

“It’s not every year that the president of the university leaves,” Fryer said. “Even though I don’t know him personally, I think it’s good to pay respect to somebody who’s spent so many years at St. Thomas.”

Kearney said Dease has accomplished a lot during his presidency at St. Thomas, with the intention of bettering others.

“Father Dease did a substantial amount during the four years I have been here and even more in years past,” Kearney said. “The best part about it is that he did it for students, the staff and faculty, alumni and the overall St. Thomas community, never for self recognition.”

Stephanie Dodd can be reached at dodd0474@stthomas.edu.