Jun 16 2005
A Gentleman and a Scholar
All,
It is with great pleasure that I address you as an alumnus of the University of Guelph. As you may or may not know I was enrolled in the Bachelor of Computing Honours program, with a minor in Criminal Justice and Public Policy. On top of that I managed to graduate with at least a year’s worth of computer related work-experience; granting me the privilege of graduating from the Co-op program. As fate would have it I somehow managed to get two degree parchments because of it! My wall adornments have never looked so prestigious.
With that out of the way I suppose I should spin a yarn or two on the ceremony itself as it would be a shame not to.
- Our chancellor, The Honourable Lincoln MacCauley Alexander is a superstar. A stately old man with the most personable and charismatic tendencies wended his way down the procession aisle shaking hands with any and everyone. His presence held the attention of every body in the building and he made the ceremony seem personal and warm in what otherwise would have been hum-drum doldrums.
- When addressing the chancellor during a formal speech, it is appropriate to acknowledge his presence by tapping your head. In response he will acknowledge you by doing likewise. I don’t think I ever grew tired of this as he seemed to take great pleasure and grace in reciprocating. I caught the administrative staff chuckling as it was being done too!
- FLASHback: It was a pleasure being able to participate in a graduation ceremony that respected the fact that boys wear earrings. With a thumbed-nose I give a gentle nod to the ways of my prestigious high school. I was kneeling on the ground signing a yearbook as was the fashion of the time when I was approached by a teacher. I was promptly berrated for wearing my earrings and was asked to leave campus immediately. A prompt refusal and a look of astonishment did nothing to crack his gaze; he was serious! It was a sort of tarnish on my last memories of high school. However, the teacher in question later appologized for their actions on my prodding.
- I was pleased to note that a number of my colleagues were graduating with distinction. Congratulations to the few of you, I must say it truly was inspiring to see your work recognized. It is with this memory fresh in my mind that I’m reminded of the quiet pride in being an honour student. I hope to embody your work ethic from half way across the world and graduate with distinction from the Juris Doctor program.
And a final note…
Rogue Clappers : These are those who defy tradition and insist on clapping for their friends whilst they cross the stage as opposed to waiting patiently until all in the group have passed. I don’t have a problem with one or two, but there were numerous instances today. It wouldn’t have been an issue except that it was the same teen-aged girl clapping incessantly for all of her friends despite icy glares from the mob.
Subscribe (RSS)