Graduation class walking hundreds

By David Alexander
Western Herald

Say goodbye to the class of 2009.

There are 2,513 Western Michigan University students set to graduate this semester, said Registrar Office worker Carrie Cumming.

As of April 15, at 3:30 p.m., 1,876 of these students had indicated they plan to attend the April 25 graduation ceremony. Students had until 11:59 p.m. that evening to reserve their tickets, so that number may have increased slightly, Cumming said.

According to the Western Michigan University Web site, extra tickets will be available on a first-come-first-served basis beginning 8 a.m., April 24 at the Miller Auditorium box office.
It’s hard to believe the semester is almost at an end.

While many seniors are left to ponder what they will do after graduation, many more already have plans lined up. Entering into the high-pressure world of careers, bigger responsibilities, and for some, graduate school can be daunting.

With such a diverse group of students at WMU, trying to find a common thread as to what they plan on doing after graduation proves difficult.

Given the above numbers, nearly 15 percent of students do not planning on taking part in commencement. Many factors contribute to this decision. For example, even though cap and gown prices are relatively low, many students view it to be a frivolous cost for something that one only rents.

Gowns cost $23, caps $5 and tassels $4 to rent, and must be returned the day of graduation.

For those graduating with honors, cords are required but provided free of charge. Still for others it is a matter of personal choice.

“I think if it had been earlier on in my life it would have meant more to my parents,” said 28-year-old senior Adam Smith, who will be getting his degree in biomedical science later this year. “I don’t need a big grandiose ceremony [to validate my education].”

Perhaps for those planning to attend graduate school, commencement seems to be a premature celebration, considering the work that lies ahead of them.

“I’m taking a year off before I go to grad school,” Smith said of his plans for after graduation.

Whatever their plans, or their views on walking, it is still important to acknowledge the accomplishments of the class of 2009 and wish them all the luck with their future endeavors because one day, with any luck, we will all be faced with the same choices they face.

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Posted by HeraldAdmin on Apr 20 2009. Filed under Campus, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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