Graduation ceremonies are for the families too

Larry Clements
Oklahoma

To the editor:
Just read Kay Hoflander’s column last Thursday, (“Listen to your mother – she really does know it”) about not attending your graduation. After working at a community college for the last 26 years and attending at least 23 of those graduations, I can say if you don’t want to walk for yourself do it for your family.

I have talked to students who say they don’t think ccommunity college graduation counts for much because they plan to go on for a four-year degree. I have also seen parents brimming with pride as if their child just graduated with a Ph.D because they are the first one in the family to attend college.

For the most part, commencement speakers are the worst part of the whole graduation process. We have had business leaders and former governors and lieutenant governors – most of them interesting and inspiring, but some not so much. The absolute worst was a fellow who had just written a book about Oklahoma wildflowers. He was neither interesting nor inspirational, the type of speaker who will give all graduation exercises a bad name.

Last December my son graduated from Oklahoma City University. Yes, he did walk across the stage and we wouldn’t have missed it for anything. Not so much because of the pomp and circumstance but because it took him so long to finish a four-year degree and we wanted to make sure it was actually happening. We had a couple of false starts that came with the “I think I’m just three hours short speech.” I am glad you were able to wear a cap and gown and be a part of a commencement exercise.

In all sincerity I do enjoy you column. Keep up the great writing.