Speaks Out

What traditions or experiences you remember from your
graduation? Albert Carnesale Chancellor
"I remember well the location of my undergraduate commencement
(namely ‘the Great Hall’ at Cooper Union, in downtown New York
City), for it had been site famous "Right makes Might" speech by
Abraham Lincoln. As speakers graduation, I’m afraid that their
remarks were no more memorable than own." George
Takei Actor, UCLA alumnus "Graduation was a culmination,
an achievement and a new beginning. I remember the bright sun of
the day, the mass of graduates all in our caps and gowns, the
friends and family that had gathered. But most of all, I remember
the graduation present from my parents ““ a summer session at
the Shakespeare Institute at Stratford upon Avon, William
Shakespeare’s birthplace. It was a heady and exhilarating day."
Justin Fong Student Regent "All I can remember is
that it was a really long ceremony. We had three majors involved
and mine was the last one. As for the traditions, I know there were
lots of pots and pans. At the engineering graduation that year,
they were throwing tortillas." Ronni Sanlo
Director, LGBT Resource Center "When I graduated with my doctorate,
both my grandmother and granddaughter were there. It was memorable
because five generations of first-born women were at the ceremony."
Dawn Bond Resident Director "I didn’t attend my
graduation because it was so big. Also, I graduated in January and
(the class) walked in June, so at the time it didn’t seem
that important. But I do regret not going now." Ward
Connerly UC Regent "I remember the sadness. I lived in a
fraternity, and when you get that close to people and you know your
lives are coming apart, it’s sad. Memorable events are not always
happy ones." Compiled by Daily Bruin Staff. Photos from Daily Bruin
Files.