West Virginia University is sending graduates out in style at the Senior Send-off at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at the Erickson Alumni Center .

The event, part of WVU ’s Senior Year Experience, will feature a sports theme to celebrate the successes of the Mountaineer athletic teams this year.

WVU student-athletes have been invited to the send-off, and seniors will enjoy watching highlights of various sporting events while they get their picture taken with the Mountaineer mascot and socialize with friends.

There will be free food (hot dogs, pepperoni rolls, fruit and other picnic foods), beverages, music and giveaways, including a life membership to the Alumni Association.

Students will have an opportunity to enjoy their first official alumni event and to gather one last time with their classmates before Commencement (May 14),said Amanda Tranquillo of Student Affairs.

They will also get to sign the 2006 Senior Send-off picture mat, which will be framed and hung in Erickson Alumni Center; speak with a WVU Foundation representative about contributing to the class gift; and network with alumni.

For more information, call Tranquillo or Sheila Powell, special assistant to the vice president for Student Affairs, at 304-293-5811 or visit the Senior Year Experience Web site:http://studentaffairs.wvu.edu/senioryear.html.