Decorated caps and fancy shoes are the best part of graduation for me. I love seeing students all made up and decked out–they are often unrecognizable at first. Trust me, they don’t come to class looking like that! I get to see students I haven’t seen since they finished their quarter, but mostly it is sitting through the same-old graduation stuff, so I relish the visuals.
This year I sat in the back (faculty sit on stage) because I had to leave early for another engagement, hiding behind Peter so my absence wouldn’t be noticeable. It has been at least a couple of years since the graduation was last at the Masonic Auditorium and every department graduated in one ceremony. It was great to see everyone there and the happy family and friends, but it took so much longer! Because of where I was sitting I couldn’t understand most of what was said–it was like they were in a fish tank and an occasional word that I recognized would bubble to the surface.
I sat next to a newish faculty member who teaches in the new Bachelor’s program (they graduated the first SF class this year). We chatted before graduation started and he had the advantage of never having been before, although he did comment about the fish tank effect. Imagine his surprise when they began faculty awards with the Bachelor’s program and he was the winner! He said he wasn’t even aware an award existed. His delight was so genuine it was really nice. My friend Ruth Snow also got the award in her department, and I in mine. This was my ninth award in the product development department and I’m pretty proud of them (I also have one from the fashion department, but I don’t teach there anymore). I have the glass apples lined up on my windowsill–and now there are 10 (there’s one in the far right corner you can’t really see).
This was a tough year so I’m kind of surprised I won. I’m very proud of being a good teacher and it is nice to be recognized. I’m sure there are some who felt otherwise! But thanks everyone–sorry I missed the rest of graduation.
Leave a Reply