The graduation ceremony was like most others – dignified and solemn. What made this one different? This graduation was OURS!!! Our grandson graduated from college, and we were as proud as could be. There were only three tickets per student, which covered Kate, John, and me. We wished for one more for David’s roommate, but he saw it streamed to a nearby building.
An organist and two trumpeters played a beautiful piece as the faculty processed in. They switched to the traditional Elgar for the students.
We wondered if David could find us, because we were in the very first row! Kate saw him looking straight at us from that group of 219. John and I were amazed at the number. We thought there might be 10 or so mid-year graduates.
One of David’s favorites, the head of the music department, was announcing the names as the students went up for their diplomas. David was in the choir all four years and enjoyed Dr. J. Maybe this is standard procedure, but I thought it brilliant. Each student handed him a card with his name on it, along with the phonetic spelling.
The president of the college handed the diploma to the student and turned to pose for the official photo. Dr. Nunes had a wonderful smile for each and every one!
Dr. Nunes addressed the class and instructed them to change their tassels from the right side of the cap to the left. I was relieved none of the caps were tossed into the air. The new alumni followed the faculty out of the building to music by Handel.
We ended the day with a celebratory meal at the Odyssey. The Odyssey is the diner in Broxville where John took Lise, Kate, and David (all now alumni of Concordia) when he went to see them or was on campus for a meeting. Justin and Caroline were special friends of David who were at the graduation. They returned to campus, and Kate drove home. We began the trip to North Carolina, going into Pennsylvania before stopping for the night. It had been a long day, but a very satisfying one.
Mehrling Muse 
It looked a wonderful ceremony.What did David graduate in? What’s he difference between the white at the neck and he yellow at the neck?
xxx Question Hugs xxx
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David majored in business administration. The two with white at the neck were getting associate degrees (two years of college). The yellow necks were for bachelor of science. There must have been another color for bachelor of arts.
xxx Nth Degree Hugs xxx
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How wonderful! Congratulations!
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Congratulations David! Nice occasion to celebrate.
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Congratulations! What a proud day. I remember when my daughter walked the stage and the happy tears I cried. The crowd that day was a little excited over another surprise–Morgan Freeman (the actor) came out on stage earlier to announce his granddaughter’s name as she received her Masters. Wishing David much success and many wonderful blessings!
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Thank you very much, Dawn. It was a great day, and we enjoyed being with David’s friends.
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Another one done! Congrats all around!
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More family memories.Congrats to David.
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Love the grin on his face in so many of the pics 🙂 Well done, David!!! We’re so proud of you!
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I was so busy taking photos that I didn’t listen for clapping for David. He said people clapped, so I’m grateful to the crowd.
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What a special event and I liked the idea of the card with phonetic spelling so the newly minted graduate had his name pronounced correctly and then an opportunity for an officl pose as well.
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Congratulations to David and his lovely family.
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