Focus On...Graduation

As faculty and staff, we are often asked what graduation means to us. We have always found that to be an easy question to answer. We view graduation as both an ending and beginning for our students. It’s the culmination of all their studies and hard work over several years, but it’s also the beginning of a new phase in their lives. We are filled with a sense of pride and joy because we helped them successfully achieve their goals, but at the same time we have a feeling of sadness as we say goodbye to them, some of whom we know quite well.

The question we rarely pose is “What does graduation mean to students?” To consider this question takes a lot of thought, and it becomes necessary to ask ourselves if we actually have an answer. We know that students look forward to graduation because they won’t have to write research papers for a long time, if ever again. We also know they look forward to sending out graduation announcements so that friends and family can watch as they are recognized for their academic achievements and, hopefully, receive very nice gifts. Graduation is a time that brings out myriad emotions, from relief at finally being finished with course work to sadness at having to say farewell to friends and faculty to trepidation at having to face the real world. But more than anything else, it is a chance for students to pat themselves on the back and say, “Job well done!”

The University of Cincinnati knows how important this event is. It has taken bold new steps to make the all-university commencement ceremony even more meaningful to both students and their families. Students will have their names announced as they walk across the president’s platform and shake President Zimpher’s hand. They will have their photographs taken in all of their fine regalia so their families and friends can recall this special moment. The program for the ceremony has been revamped to put the focus almost exclusively on students’ achievements and their deserved recognition. This is what they want. This is what they should experience. They will also have the opportunity to participate in other college-hosted events during graduation week and to attend a post-ceremony function sponsored by the Alumni Association. The McMicken College of Arts and Sciences will host a reception for graduates the evening prior to the ceremony because we want to let our students know how proud we are of them.

Graduation is not an end. It is the beginning of the rest of students’ lives. We have watched some mature into fine young adults and others survive the rigors of returning to school as adults. They should be proud of their accomplishments. Hopefully, they will look back on their UC experience with wonderful memories, and with any luck, their children will be our future graduates. Our greatest wish for 2005’s graduates is that their lives continue to be blessed with the same sense of pride and joy that they have given us.