Graduation Day 2008

Finally a few minutes to talk about the big event my graduation. Even though I finished last fall I had to wait to walk in the Spring. It was a great day. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. We were up ready to go and may I add on time. The weather was perfect. Sunny and warm I was blessed over and over. We lined up and were the first to walk into the Huntsman building (this is where the ceremony took place) we were right behind the faculty. After everyone was ushered in the National Anthem was sang the singer did a really nice job, then the Pledge of Allegiance. What I thought was really neat was the President of the University removed his cap and everyone including the graduates took followed his lead. It was one sweeping motion. Great respect for our Nation and Flag. During the official ceremony, we had several speakers, my two favorites were: the Student Speaker, Luciano Pesci, he did a great job. The second speaker I really enjoyed was Dr. Mario Capecchi. Dr Capecchi is a distinguished Professor of Human Genetics and Biology, and 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Winner in Physiology and Medicine. He reminds me of Einstein. Then we had Spencer Kinard speak which was on the funny side, finally the President of the University awarded us all our graduate status. We paraded out so we could go to our individual colleges for another ceremony this is where we received our diplomas.
Driving from the Huntsman Building to Kingsbury Hall was a hike. We had to park in the football stadium then catch a shuttle over to Kingsbury Hall which is located in the Presidents Circle. I was running behind but even with that I managed to sit on the first row with two friends I haven't seen for years we were awe struck. I couldn't believe it. Leslie and Ryan I was in the middle it was really funny. The professors were trying to get us to sit down so they could start the ceremony. Well Leslie all she wanted to do was wave to the audience and talk. So I was pulling on her robe and she was wondering who this person was trying to get her to sit down. She was fixing to give me a piece of her mind when we both did a double take and started laughing and hugging each other. It was a great reunion. She is doing great, moving to Washington to work in a University. Ryan is working at SUU. After we calmed down and sat down the ceremony began.



As you can see when I was hooded my cap fell off I didn't realize we were suppose to unsnap the hood. Jan was a great help getting it back on I hugged and thanked her for all she did for me. It was great to walk across that stage, have Jan hood me (this is what they call it which means they are placing the sash around you), get my diploma, have a picture and hug with Mike Hardman. It was great. Afterwards all the graduates marched outside for conversation and pictures as you can all see in the slide show.
After the final ceremony we went to the College of Education had some snacks talked to a few professors, Mike again, Jan, Mary, and everyone else it was fun. It was just nice to say goodbye and thank you.
We finally left, went to the Bookstore; this is where Larry bought me the beautiful picture frame for my diploma. As soon as I get the diploma in the frame I'll snap a picture and put it in the slide show. Trust me it is gorgeous. Thanks to my sisters, brother, Clay and James for your gift. It is great. Naturally, Cory and Carly needed gifts too from the book store. They bought T-shirts, sweat pants, and hats. Larry he wanted a picture. So you can see it in the slide show too. It is the one where we are standing together behind a red curtain with a white stand in front of us.
We went to dinner at Kneaders fun little sandwich place. Cory took Jackie to the movies that night, Carly went to a dance, Larry and I topped the night off yes you guessed it with a movie. It was the ending to a great day!

The next day we had a graduation party. Friends and family came all day. James and Jen, our son and daughter, were a huge help. Jen always is. James too for that fact. We had barbeque. Larry did a good job on barbequing the chicken many complements. People came in and out all day and into the night. Another perfect day.





I have to tell you all the Lord really blessed me not only these past few years, now that it is over I can sit back and see His hand in it, but these past two days. Our Lord and Savior is an awesome God. I wish when we learn lessons we have more patience of maybe it is just me. It is hard sometimes when you are in the midst of a battle that seems to go on and on and on to hang in there. I pray to take what I learned and change for the better. Thank you all for your prayers and support for these past years.