Today was Matt's graduation from St. Michael's College. It was a fantastic day- we enjoyed every minute of it and are so proud of Matt.
We started the day by dropping Elijah off at daycare, there is NO WAY he would have sat through a graduation ceremony! Then we continued into St. Mikes, on a much less eventful drive than Susie and Dennis were having around the same time (they got a flat tire in Dennis' truck on Lime Kiln Rd, and with no time to change it for fear of being late for Matt's graduation, ended up driving the rest of the way on a rim- what a way to start the day)!
The stage, before the ceremony began:
The bagpipes played beautifully to signal the beginning of Commencement:
Matt entering the gym, where the Graduation ceremony was held: 
The address was given by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan- that's him, seated in the center- he is a TALL man, which you cannot tell from this photo. He gave a very nice speech, and later we were saying how fun it was to think that this man (who is only 44 years old!) regularly sits around a table discussing American education policy with President Obama...and we were only 1/2 a gymnasium away from him!
Senator Patrick Leahy was present, as his wife was one of 4 people receiving an Honorary Degree. Maybe he had something to do with SMC landing Duncan as its fabulous commencement speaker?
A Birds-eye view of the grads:
Matt, heading up to the stage:
Getting ready to accept his diploma:
Here it is!
Now an Alumnus!
Matt with (as he calls them) his "Biologicals"
Super-Proud Dad:
Dennis, Matt and Susie:
Ed, Matt and me (desperately to prevent my skirt from blowing up in the strong winds!):
The Graduate:
Matt had to be out of his campus apartment by 6:00PM, so after the ceremony (around 2:00 or so), we all went back there to finish packing him up (he had already done the lion's share of it). Susie and I packed up most of the remaining items in Matt's room while Ed and Dennis changed the tire on the truck and Matt hauled the last of the biggest items out to the trailer.
Finally- Ed, Matt and I had a delicious celebratory lunch at Sweetwater's in Burlington.
Congratulations, Bobcat...we are SO proud of you! Looking forward to seeing everyone at the graduation celebration on Saturday!!!!!
5 comments:
I just loved the pictures! I feel like I was at the ceremony just from viewing all the fantastic pictures. We are so proud of Matt and wish him the best in the future.
Grammie is looking forward to the gathering at Susie and Dennis's. Sorry we have to miss it, but Anna is graduating this weekend as well. We'll be thinking of all of you on Saturday, though.
Thanks so much, Sandy...I feel like I was there...great pics. Matt is so very handsome, and smart to boot!! No wonder you are so proud!! Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sat.
It would be the windiest/windyest day of the year!!
SAM
I am so glad you posted these pictures! I thought about Matt today and wondered what time the ceremony was taking place... I wish I could be at the party this weekend!
Firstly, Patrick Leahy is a SMC grad himself, thus often involved in ceremonies etc one way or the other!
I, as an alumni, got an email with a link to a streaming of the ceremony, but when I tried to use it last night (last night MY time) so I could "attend" the ceremony, it didn't work! Bummer!
So, what a treat to see your post when I woke up this morning so that I could see the photos!
Oh God, these pictures kind of scare me because it makes me realize how fast time is going by. Seems like yesterday that Matt was Wayne and Cole's age. Now look at him!
But seriously, congtratulations to the whole family and especially to Matt for such an accomplishment. Matt looks very handsom in his cap and gown.
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