Graduation 2011

Katie D.

June 12, 2011 - 8:21 PM

One year ago today, I graduated from the Clark Honors College. One year ago, I stood on the stage in front of a hundred graduates and the hundreds of friends and family members, and gave a commencement speech before collecting my diploma. It was a moment of such triumph and joy, and was a balancing point between my past as an undergraduate at the University of Oregon, and my future as a Masters student, again at the University of Oregon.

This afternoon, I had the enormous pleasure of watching my friend, Madeline, receive her diploma and give the commencement address for the Clark Honors College. She delivered a beautiful speech through the pouring rain at Hayward Field. I was so happy to see her in the spotlight, and to have that chance to cheer her to yet another success. She spoke about the faculty mentors she's had; the staff who have supported her; the other Honors College students who have achieved excellent theses; and of her own story of struggle and achievement in college. Then she and the other 102 graduates waded through the puddles and drizzle to have their thesis title and future plans read to the audience as they received their diplomas.

Two other close friends will be graduating this weekend. Ben is one of the members of The Group--the eight friends who went through undergrad together. Ben took a fifth year to finish his chemistry degree with a math minor. My roommate, Lesley, graduates tomorrow from the human physiology department. I am so happy for both of them.

It was wonderful to see all the graduates, and loved watching them celebrate with their families. Many have fabulous plans for the coming years: they are traveling, applying to medical school, working for the Peace Corps, and launching careers. Tomorrow, campus will be filled with green-gowned graduates and their proud families and friends.

I find it hard to believe that all this happened a year ago for me. A year ago, my family was here with me, and we were celebrating graduation with all my friends and their families. In fact, a year ago tonight we held a massive graduation party at my house, and half the Honors College showed up. I was recovering from my own speech, and preparing to spend a wonderful couple of days in Portland with my family. Time has moved so fast somehow, racing away from that celebration and into this year of work and study. Seeing graduation today was an intense moment of deja vu.

I want to congratulate the class of 2011! Good luck with all your endeavors and future plans. I hope life post-graduation treats you gently and is full of adventures. Congratulations to all the families who supported graduates, and to all the faculty of the UO who mentored and inspired their students. This campus community exists as the vibrant and creative place it is because of the flow of students as they arrive as freshmen, grow through four years of study, and then move into their future lives, leaving space for a new generation of campus leaders to follow them. For all graduating seniors, you will be dearly missed. Best of luck in your futures!