Before SUNY Oswego seniors say goodbye to their college years at commencement, they will be welcomed into the Oswego Alumni Association at the 73rd Torchlight Ceremony, Friday.

The evening will begin with a cocktail reception and dinner in Hewitt Union. The traditional Senior Sing is slated for 8:30 p.m. in Sheldon Park, where the ceremony will follow at 9 p.m.

Benita Zahn, a 1976 graduate of Oswego, will preside over the event that brings together students, families, faculty and staff as the torch is symbolically passed from alumni to students. Zahn is a co-anchor and reporter for WNYT-TV “NewsChannel 13” in Albany.

As a health reporter, she covers wellness, treatment breakthroughs, aging, nutrition and the latest health care trends. Zahn also co-produces and hosts “HealthLink” on WMHT-TV.

With a background in the sciences and a bachelor’s degree in communication studies/broadcasting and theater, she received the Anniversary Class Award from the Oswego Alumni Association in 2001. Zahn has several stage performance credits in the Albany area and in 2006 she established an excellence fund for SUNY Oswego’s theater department.

Zahn has won numerous awards for her work as a broadcaster over the years. As mistress of ceremonies at torchlight, Zahn will be joined by standout students from the class of 2008.

Chris Thatcher will be the Torchlight Ceremony student master of ceremonies. Christie Torruella is student mistress of ceremonies for the Torchlight Dinner. Senior Jessica Schlect will give remarks at the ceremony. Kristin Quinn has been selected as torchbearer, and Michael LaMastra will be the Class of 2008 Inner Circle member.