In the history books

[destabee]

The 39th commencement exercises for PNC (my first as a member of that faculty) are now in the history books. 596 degrees were awarded. About 1/3 of those degrees went to students who are first generation college students. About 20 of them went to the first students to receive master's degrees (MBAs) from PNC. I only knew one student who graduated due in large part to the fact that 7 of my 8 classes this year were introduction to sociology taken mostly by first year students.

I have to say that near 90 degree temps, several thousand people in a gym without air conditioning, and wearing academic regalia is not a pleasant way to spend 2.5 hours not matter how joyous the celebration. Still it was good to remember how day to day teaching fits into the bigger picture of life.

Comments

[alchmst.livejournal.com]

Would love to see a picture of you in your 4-striper.

I never got to wear a 4-striper myself. My masters gown was 2 stripes and the doctorate I got was a Chinese type gown (which is interesting in its own right) but had no stripes at all.

My last commencement was at one of the little lakes northeast of the O-town on one of the hottest most humid inland Florida days I can recall...

Chinese type faculty robes in 95+ outside heat and 100% humidity and the on and ons of the speakers and thanks to the faculty, etc... OYE.

But you hit my nostalgic nerve because I do know the feeling you describe of day to day and the result of that labor.

[destabee.livejournal.com]

I should have someone take a photo next time I am dressed in professorial garb. I find all the variations of academic garb fascinating. I'll have to poke around and see if I can find an example of the type you wore.

I hope you have a day filled with many small moments of wonder.