How to announce my graduation next year

Parent Cafe
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I’m expecting to graduate from my MS Mechanical Engineering program next spring. I’ve been going to school in the evenings and weekends for about the last three or four years while working full time as an engineer at Boeing. It’s used up a lot of my evening and weekend time and I’m looking forward to being finished.</p>

<p>I’m wondering how best to “announce” my graduation to friends and family? I’d like to send out announcement cards or something, but want to be careful to do it in a way that people don’t think they should send gifts in return. I’m working full time and don’t need anything, but I’d still like to let people know. </p>

<p>I’m debating between sending announcement cards with a note along the lines of “your presence is your present”, or forgoing announcement cards and just writing a letter, or something else. </p>

<p>I’d appreciate your opinion. I’d like to be tactful but also celebratory.</p>

2

<p>Are you inviting them to an event, like a post-grad party? Then it would be good to add “no presents, just your presence” so that they know not to bring anything. Otherwise, a card with a photo of you in your cap and gown or something like that is nice, along with a note about what’s next. If it’s just to announce the graduation with no accompanying event, the tactful thing I think would be to not mention presents at all. Most people won’t feel compelled to send them for a master’s graduation, and if they do, you can graciously accept them and maybe (if it’s money) donate it to charity?</p>

3

<p>^^I agree. And I do think you should have a party for yourself!!</p>