Today is, at long last, Commencement at Union. At around the time this is posted, I’ll be parading around in academic robes, or possibly listening to a variety of boring speeches.
Of course, I can’t really claim that I don’t enjoy this. After all, Kate and I drove back here from Boston last night after a weeding down there, specifically so I could make it to this morning’s ceremonies, bad knee and all. Some faculty complain about having to attend commencement, but I get a kick out of it. Not so much the speeches, but seeing the students go through the ceremony– the dazed look they get when it finally hits them that this is all real is priceless.
I’m also rather fond of this class. It’s a really huge group, and while a couple of them have been a little frustrating at times, they’re really a terrific bunch. I’ve had them in class a few times, and they’ll do basically everything you ask of them without complaining too much, and they do it well. Outside of class, they’re not quite as manic as last year’s seniors, but they’re still hugely entertaining to have around, and the department will be a much different place once they’ve moved on.
So, congratulations Jeff, Nate, Sean, Alex, Sam, Bob, Mike, Tom, Charlie, Jay, Matt, Josh, and Luther. It’s been great having you here, and I wish you all the best for the future. And if any of you become preposterously wealthy, send money.