College Graduation Ceremonies: Traditions and Transformations

Graduation ceremonies are significant occasions that mark the end of a chapter and the beginning of new opportunities for college graduates. These ceremonies have been celebrated for decades and during my alma mater, a particularly memorable event stood out in 2001. Wearing a dress shirt, tie, dress pants, and dress shoes was the norm, but the discomfort of the tie due to its length - it was over three hours - was a minor inconvenience compared to the festive atmosphere and music played by bagpipers.

Back before the coronavirus pandemic, the joy of these events was palpable. Today, safety measures such as face masks and social distancing are enforced, ensuring graduates and their loved ones can celebrate safely while still marking this significant milestone in their lives.

Family and Friends’ Roles

When my classmates and I graduated, the typical celebratory behavior included friends and family cheering loudly for the graduates. Balloons and gifts were often a part of the celebration, symbolizing the pride and accomplishment of the individual or group. However, there were instances where relatives or friends chose to remain quiet and simply clap, which, as we learned, is just as valid and means just as much.

Unfortunately, in 2014, I missed a significant part of my college graduation ceremony. A scare that I had led my online classmate to look for me. Regrettably, instead of being there with my peers, I chose to have the graduation sent to me via UPS. This meant I missed several key moments, including walking across the stage at the College of Business Administration and hearing my name called. As a result, I also missed the cheers and applause from the audience that echoed through the auditorium, reminiscent of my high school graduation.

Key Components of a College Graduation Ceremony

A formal processional to music as the stage party and graduates walk in. This is typically followed by a series of events that include:

Welcome and opening remarks from the President. Introduction of dignitaries and the stage party. An address by the commencement speaker or chief guest. Formal awarding of degrees by the President, with each group of majors standing in order (bachelors, masters, doctoral, or reverse order). The degree recipient shaking hands with the dean, provost, and president. Recognition of all graduates to the applause of the audience. Recognition of special groups such as honors college, Latin honors, and other honorees. Honoring individuals from the audience like alumni, parents, grandparents, spouses, and other family members. Final remarks from the President. The singing of the alma mater. The recessional, during which the audience is asked to wait until the stage party and graduates have left the venue.

While each university may have its variations, these core elements usually remain consistent. Some religious institutions may include a prayer, while others might have a moment of reflection. The addition of special recognitions can also personalize the experience, such as those made during my tenure as President of the University. I would applaud all the students before inviting first-generation students to stand, acknowledging their achievements individually and collectively. During this moment, I would point out the tangible creation of a middle-class, which serves as a powerful reminder of the value of education.

College graduation ceremonies are a blend of tradition and transformation, celebrating individual achievements while reflecting on the broader societal impact of higher education.