"When dawn spreads its paintbrush on the plain, spilling purple... ," Sons of the Pioneers theme for TV show "Wagon Train." Dawn on the mythic Santa Fe Trail, New Mexico, looking toward Raton from Cimarron. -- Clarkphoto. A curmudgeon artist's musings melding metaphors and journalism, for readers in more than 150 countries.

Saturday, May 6, 2017

My last graduation--endings and beginnings

My first UCO graduation, BA, English, Central State...Dad's handwriting
This afternoon, I'll attend my last graduation ceremony at the University of Central Oklahoma, wearing my funny hat, and other academic regalia  as a prof.
We'll walk down the aisle in front of the students and their parents for what is the culmination of my career, a beginning of a new personal  identity and a beginning of my students' new adventures.
I expect there will be a group photo of my colleagues beforehand. Afterward there will be photos outside with some favorite students.
There have been many such photos over the years. I still have many on my computer, but don't want to select one over the other. But.
This is what I have worked for...getting students to graduation and  on their way.
In 27 years at UCO, there have been at least 55 such ceremonies --a couple of years we had three--but most years there are spring and fall events. I've only missed one or two.
Hundreds of students and memories. Not an ending, but...
Beginnings.

1 comment:

  1. You have touched a lot of lives during your academic and journalistic careers. You also touched a lot of lives outside those two endeavors and you will continue to do so. I'm looking forward to what the future holds in store for you.

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