college graduation

ALF
Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:49:15 +0000

Many universities do this, because there are too many grads to walk across one stage. So, they do the commencement ceremony for everyone, then break out into college-level ceremonies for the actual awarding of the diploma.

I have attended way too many commencements (I’m a college administrator, so I go to at least one each year, plus others for friends/family/associates), and most of them are way too long. Let’s face it, the students want to get their diplomas, and they are not in the mood to listen to scholarly musings or advice on how to go forth into the world. Most commencement speakers have not figured this out and instead choose to inflict their wisdom on a captive audience for an extended period of time. I can count the inspiring commencement speeches that I have heard on one hand.

So, I’d suggest sending everyone to the diploma ceremony, and only attend the commencement if there is a notable speaker that you would really like to hear.