It’s that time of year again: The weather heats up, the pollen count skyrockets and a few thousand Ducks prepare to take flight.

The senior class of the University of Oregon will graduate this month, but as a last hurrah before commencement, all UO seniors are invited to attend the annual Senior Send-Off this Thursday, June 4, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Erb Memorial Union Amphitheater.

The afternoon festivities provide imminent graduates a chance to raise a commemorative pint of root beer float — courtesy of the Student Alumni Association and the UO Alumni Association — as well as one last opportunity to take a picture with the beloved Duck before they walk down the green carpet to receive their degrees.

Former Ducks will also be in attendance, to give graduating seniors an idea of what life in the “real world” really looks like, including the challenges and rewards of finding a job in their field of study and where to live after they leave Eugene.

Current Student Alumni Association members, as well as nonmembers, will be able to learn more about the benefits of joining the UO Alumni Association upon graduation as well as the importance of giving to the UO.

— By Nathaniel Brown, Public Affairs Communications intern