Families and friends poured into Campustown last weekend to celebrate the University’s 137th commencement ceremony along with the graduates of the class of 2008. A mix of sunshine and rain clouds covered Champaign-Urbana, making the graduates’ final moments at the University both picturesque and wet. After receiving their diplomas, graduates of the class toured the Quad, took a final lap around campus and, of course, stopped for a photo in front of the Alma Mater. Here is what some of them had to say about their last days on campus, their plans for the future and with whom they shared their memorable day.

Kevin Casey, LAS

Casey spent his last weekend in Champaign studying for the MCAT. He plans on applying to medical school and hopes to attend one in Chicago.

Ensign James J. Parker, Aviation

The next step for Parker will be going to Pensacola, Fla., for Navy flight school. His uncle, a retired Navy commander, came to do Parker’s oath of office.

Weston Carter, Media

To celebrate his graduation, Carter went out to eat with his family and girlfriend. He will be going to graduate school here at the University in sports management.

Abbie Myer, LAS

Myer spent her last weekend in Champaign going out to eat with her family and taking pictures around campus with her friends. She will be starting work as a high school teacher in Danville, Ill.

Lujing Zhang, Business

Zhang is heading to Minnesota to work for an accounting firm. She spent her last days on campus taking pictures with friends, going with her family to the president’s house for a reception and showing them campus.

Nunya Cheirsilpa, Business

Cheirsilpa will be studying to get her master’s in finance here at the University. She spent the weekend showing her mom around campus and taking pictures with her friends.

Laurel Orenchak, Business

After graduating with a degree in accounting, Orenchak will start work as an auditor for Crow Chizek in September. She enjoyed a dinner at Radio Maria, her favorite restaurant, before going home.

Kristen Detmer, Business

Detmer is staying in Champaign to get a master’s in accounting at the University. She celebrated graduation with her friends at It’s Brothers on Saturday, then at Alexander’s Steakhouse on Sunday.

Lauren McGuire, AHS

McGuire graduated from AHS with a degree in kinesiology and is moving to the Chicago area to be a high school physical education teacher. She celebrated graduation with her family and friends.

Lauren Middendorff, AHS

Middendorf, a community health major, plans to earn her master’s in occupational therapy at St. Louis University. She spent the weekend taking lots of pictures around campus with her friends and family.