Monday, May 19, 2008

Graduation

The situation I discussed in the previous post is ongoing. It is complex. Only God can make things work out. But I know He has a plan. I am so thankful for your prayers and caring.
Life goes on in the midst of "stuff". Last Friday was our graduation celebration for the Master of Social Work students. There is a big ceremony put on by the graduate school. But we like to have our own celebration. Most choose to do only ours, and forego the formal ceremony.


As I have said before, this was the 15th group I was privileged to "mother" through the graduation process. It was my last. The faculty all sit facing the students and their families and friends.


The students came in by processional - you can see the happy faces.





Each graduate is carrying a "hood" over his/her right arm. This is a stole which indicates which degree they are receiving - the coloring tells the tale. Part of our celebration is the "hooding" of each graduate. Normally this would be done at the grad school ceremony, but at our school they only hood Ph.D. students. Therefore, we have our own celebration and hooding. It has been my privilege each year to call out each graduate's name, after which they are hooded by the director of the program.



There were 45 grads this year, with approximately 350 guests.

The class had chosen 3 student speakers and two faculty speakers. This was the most speakers ever in the time I've been there. But all of the speeches were short, to the point, and well done.

Two students took their places at the podium and proceeded to honor me on my retirement. I was pleasantly surprised. The students gave me a bouquet (on the right), as did the faculty (on the left).


They all autographed this mug - I especially liked the signature on the inside.




I have to admit, it was a bit of an emotional time.

Here I am with one of the profs and one of the students.


And, last, my boss on the left, my co-worker who is moving next week, and whom I will really miss, beside me, with one of my prof friends on my left.







12 comments:

Susie said...

Sounds like a wonderful ceremony :)
I can imagine how touched you were with the flowers and mug.
Everyone has such nice smiles in the pictures. Bet it was a great day!
xo

Barb said...

You can just see how happy everyone is in these photos, Dawn. I imagine I'll be a "guest" at this ceremony in another year when Aaron graduates. I hope you come for the ceremony because I know you're close to his class too.

You captured all the emotions in these great pictures.

Mimi said...

what a bitter sweet time for you...
just focus on the happy wonderful retirement time...
I can tell from the pictures that they were all very very fond of you...and I am sure you will be missed greatly...
{{Hugs}}
Mimi

Susan said...

What a great post & special time for you. You can tell you are greatly loved and respected. That certainly is no surprise to me!!!
Enjoy the events even in the midst of the other.
Susan

Tammy said...

What a great event...and just love your signed mug you received!

I was just catching up and will pray for you and your family, dear Dawn...

Hugs,
~Tammy

SentimentsbyDenise said...

This looks like a really special time.
I can't imagine what it must feel like to be at this place in your life (and I'm talking about you, Dawn - ready for retirement). You're probably experiencing many different emotions lately.
I'm praying that God will give you peace and excitement, both, as you prepare to jump into your "new" adventure soon!
Denise

Carole Burant said...

Hello dear Dawn,

I'm back from my trip:-) It sounds like it was a wonderful graduation ceremony and how touching that they would present you with flowers and that mug...such a meaningful gift with all the signatures!! I know it's a very emotional time for you right now but I've no doubt you are making the right decision. Loved all the pictures, look at those happy faces:-) xoxo

Mike Golch said...

that was great thanks for sharing.

Nadine said...

I'm sorry I haven't been around, but I will certainly pray. I ask the Father to give you all that you will need in this situation.

Blessings to you Dawn.

Midlife Mom said...

Oh Dawn, what lovely pictures of the graduation! Obviously you were well loved by the students! You will have many special memories of your days at the college and that is how it should be but now is the time to move on to other things and you will love this time in your life too. I struggled making the decision to retire but when I did life just opened a whole new chapter for me and I am sooooooo happy. I know it will be the same for you too!! :o) Praying that these last few weeks will fly by and that you will have peace. xoxo

Yes, I did get a couple more posts in then usual. Heehee!

Mimi said...

just wanted to pop in and let you know that I am still praying for your situation..that God will work it out...
{{Hugs}}
Mimi

Chris said...

Graduations are wonderful, tearful and bittersweet when you see and say good`bye to those you have worked with.
God bless