There is always a sense of excitement about donning that long black gown and multi-colored hood to march with faculty in the graduation ceremony. Roberts faculty line up in Rinker Administration building in two lines, down the south and north hallways, the conversation growing in proportion to the lines.
You see faculty who are laughing, enjoying the day, catching up with colleagues - such a nice change from the strained looks they often wear when the come in the library. Women were fussing with bobby pins, trying to keep their mortarboards on, men were hanging up raincoats and umbrellas and stripping off sweaters.
Conversation revolved around past graduations, years when the weather was unseasonably hot, times when the event was held in Parmeter Chapel, rare occasions when the President was not able to attend. Good days, bygone years, people who had long since passed through the pearly gates.
The wait seemed interminable, and then suddenly we were moving down the stairs through financial aid department and out the side door under the white awning and into the Voller Athletic Center. We filed past the pool, now deserted and calm, down the hall where the racketball courts stood empty and silent. The close we came to the gym, the louder the music from our brass ensemble.
The ceremony was a production in efficiency. In perfect order, each division and degree lined up and filed across the platform, stood with the President for a photo op, filed down the stairs into the waiting arms of the faculty in their division. I have never witnessed such sincere joy. Hugs, back slapping, tears, shouts - faculty wished them all hearty congratulations. It was extremely touching, as if watching close friends celebrating.
For most of my own graduations, if I happened to see a faculty person across the crowded space, I would be fortunate. But here it is like family. It was truly remarkable. I wonder if these kids realize how unique it is?
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