Graduation Ceremony ....

[frazzledbutcalm]

We attended our ds graduation ceremony last week ... now called Academic Congregation ...
A proud, proud moment, just wanted to share! It was lovely! What I found most lovely was all the students in their gowns and caps milling around the uni campus before the ceremony began. Everyone was happy, chatty, sun was shining, photos/cameras everywhere ... it was just so lovely!!
Good luck to those starting uni, congratulations to those who've just finished.

[Follyfoot]

We've been to 2 this summer: DSSs and DDs, and both have been fun. Great to see them rewarded for the work they have put in. One parent at DSSs was in an interesting combo of - teeny weeny - playsuit plus a fascinator and glittery shawl. Goes to show you can wear whatever you want really .

Interesting how different the ceremonies were. One lasted well over 2 hours which was a long time to be clapping.... The other was 45 mins so felt more intimate, but not such a spectacle in terms of numbers of graduates.

[BestIsWest]

DD's was an hour and a half but was bi-lingual so the speeches took twice as long. I did spare a thought for the vice chancellor shaking all those hands - it must be exhausting.

[funnyperson]

Not sure whether to wheel out the grandparents. Feeling ungenerously exhausted at the thought. Have already been told that one, suffering from falls and dizziness, is 'determined to go', another, suffering from alzheimer's has lost her outfit twice already, a third has cellulitis and the fourth cannot see. A wheelchair friendly van will need to be hired but thats the easy part.

[funnyperson]

2 ceremonies are involved. One for DS and one for DD.

[BestIsWest]

Sounds exhausting funny. What do your DCs think about it? My parents came but they are fit and could get themselves there. Will there be spare tickets? We were very lucky and there were quite a few left on the day so they could attend the ceremony. They had planned to hang around outside. I was in Cardiff this week and noticed a lot of grandparents and siblings out side the graduation venue.

[Molio]

But funnyperson aren't you limited for tickets? My DC can only invite three people each. I know your DD is at Oxford - it really is a great ceremony, so do try to facilitate some of the grandparents going. Not sue where your DS is, but if the gps are game to go, and can, I'd encourage it - they'll love it I'm sure.

[funnyperson]

Yes, limited for tickets but unlimited at the 'tea'/'reception' at both places. DC are happy to have all family around. I am currently wanting to run a mile and hide. The thought of 4 elderly people hanging around in the heat outside while we attend the ceremony is worrying. Yet they're not really independent enough to all make their own way to tea. I have got as far as finding out I can hire a driver with a van which will take wheelchairs.

[Molio]

Sit them on the garden benches in college in the shade funny. Provided they all get on well :) They can have a snooze for a couple of hours.

[funnyperson]

We had a wonderful time!
A very proud moment as OP says!
The two grannies went along with the rest of the family and lunch at high table was brilliant.
It was so nice to see all the newly graduated milling about with their families, every one so happy and smart and proud.
We should have taken a video really.
We didn't take the grandfathers which was just as well as there was a lot of walking about at both places. Just savouring the moment and taking photos and eating cake and drinking tea was wonderful. A rare two days of 'being' rather than 'becoming'.