Sunday. We proved to Jeff that we really, really loved him by gathering by the car in the pre-dawn light at 5:45 in the morning. We were in line at the university by 5:50am, and by 6am we had secured 8 seats in a prime location under the trees (Adam and I had done some reconnaisance work the day before to find out the seats that would be in the shade the longest). Three hours later, the ceremony itself began. Jeff's class was the last to march in, and the last to go up and get their diplomas, but we had a fun time cheering everyone on and looking up everyone's home towns in the program.
 Jeff processes |
The much-anticipated keynote address came from Colin Powell, who flew back from an economic conference in Jordan to be present. He started off well - getting lots of laughs from the parents and students alike - and made comments that showed he'd done his research on the customs and traditions of the campus. But from there he settled back into a disappointingly generic Bush administration stump speech, touting No Child Left Behind and the progress in Iraq. Ironic points to use as cornerstones of a speech entitled "Do the Right Thing," to be sure.
I was more impressed, ultimately, when Powell remained standing to shake the hands of all 900+ undergraduates who walked across the stage to get their diplomas. He also presided over the swearing in of a handful of ROTC graduates. I'm sure Matt would be able to comment more knowledgeably, but it had to have been a pretty amazing experience being sworn into the armed forces by the highest ranking member of the military you're ever likely to come into contact with. Who can actually say with full sincerity, "Welcome to my army" at the end of it.
 Post-diploma! |
Total chaos reigned once the ceremony ended. Graduates where wandering everywhere - taking pictures, chatting on cell phones, jumping up and down with their friends and cheering. It reminded me of the chaos and excitement of my own graduation, and I was very proud to watch Jeff going through the same thing!
 Trying to locate friends |
 Big group pictures |
 Distinguished graduates of Calloway School of Business |
 Silly boys |
Hey Kate (I can call you that - I'm your Dad), your "coverage" of Dr. J's (I can call him that - I'm his Dad) graduation is spot on. I especially like the embedded photographs. As usual, you do great work (I can say that - I'm your Dad).
Cool pics!!! Love the recap (and gown)!
Must.. Get.. Puns.. Out.. Of.. Brain..
Wait, does the fact that I call you Kate mean that I, too, am your Dad? Because that would be very confusing biologically and just-plain-logically speaking...
By the transitivie property of equalities, Neema is correct. Math doesn't lie. Sorry, Neems, you are Katy's father.
Yes, and Neems, you have to say it like Darth Vader. Kate, I AM YOUR FATHER. Man, I am bored.