The evening (which lasted from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) included a raffle (prizes ranged from a Contiki tour to a mix of eight chocolate bars from Chuao Chocolatier) and opportunities for students to discuss post-grad options, sign a 2011 class plaque and stock up on graduation gear.

Hundreds of students were greeted by an orchestra at the entryway, as they walked down the red carpet into the UCSD bookstore, where the festivities were held. Inside, ravenous students crowded around the food (that was, unfortunately, all placed on one table rather than spread out over numerous locations in the bookstore).

Fortunately, the variety of food made up for the inconvenience — treats included an assortment of cheeses, fruits, cookies, brownies, quesadillas, spinach puffs and other bite-sized snacks. The stairway leading downstairs was decorated with columns of blue and yellow balloons, where students could participate in a book signing and drop off their 11 raffle tickets.