Graduation is the culmination of four, five, and sometimes six or more years of attending classes, preparing for finals, reading more than any person should be required to and striving, always striving to reach commencement. It’s more than just an event, it’s a milestone for most who participate.
Graduation encompasses more than just commencement and the walk to receive the parchment of deliverance. This year’s graduation is a series of events to honor and celebrate those who have achieved the goal they set for themselves however many years ago.
For the first time the University Bookstores are sponsoring a graduation fair to bid the seniors farewell while outfitting them to venture into the workforce. The fair, called “A Celebration of Graduation,” is taking place May 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will incorporate a variety of activities, from picking up cap and gown to getting a hand waxing (not for the hairy men but to smooth the skin). Roxanne Larochelle, accounts payable technician for the bookstores, participated in coordinating the celebration.
“It’s meant to be a free, fun, informative fair,” she said, ” hopefully we’ll make it an annual event.”
Though it is aimed at seniors, non-seniors will not be barred from participating Larochelle said.
Many vendors will be present including Chapelle’s studios (the company in charge of commencement pictures) and Deb Elliott Salon and Day Spa.
In addition the student loan office will be there to advise and President Pattenaude will make a special appearance to congratulate Daryl Morrazini, the student commencement speaker. Throughout the day, refreshments will be served and students who pick up their caps and gowns will receive a raffle ticket for the free drawing and a chance to win a variety of prizes including a photo with Tony Shalhoub, this year’s celebrity commencement speaker.
Mary Ann Benson, chair of Destination Graduation, will also be available for resume consultations. Destination Graduation, another endeavor dedicated to enhancing the students graduation experience, made available two projects to surprise seniors. The prize patrol and the certificates appreciation are two methods to recognize seniors. These activities are meant to optimize the graduation experience.
The prize patrol will function much in the same way the publishers clearinghouse prize patrol does. Every senior who is recognized by either a fellow student, faculty member or just someone who cares about them will be hunted down on campus and presented with balloons and candy. The certificates are presented by seniors to individuals who have been supportive while obtaining a degree. These tokens may be purchased in May Ann Benson’s office in Payson Smith.
The commencement committee, which organized graduation day, was separate from Destination Graduation. Rosa Redonnett, vice president of the Division of Enrollment Management, participated on this committee. Commencement, held at the Cumberland County Civic Center draws a large crowd and Redonnett urges guests to arrive early.
This year 1,500 students filled out graduation applications. Of those 1,200 are expected to march. Normally around 1,000 students march so the space fills up early.
To accommodate the audience the committee rented large screens for those in the less desirable seating. For the first time this year, every loved one will view the face of their graduate upon receiving the sacred parchment.
USM is unusual in that it chooses to announce each graduate by name rather than announcing an entire school to speed up the process. “There are not a lot of big schools that call every single name,” said Redonnett.
Though not all choose to walk with their class Redonnett believes it is an integral part of the graduation experience.
“I can’t believe it when people don’t walk,” she said, ” I don’t think everybody appreciates that need for closure.”
The “Celebration of Graduation” will be held May 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the campus center and commencement will be held at the Cumberland County Civic Center on May 10 beginning at 9 a.m.