2010 Graduation: New Traditions, New Style
As you reflect back on one of the most treasured moments at the UO, it probably evokes a memory or two about graduating. The day you put on regalia, welcomed guests to campus and walked across the stage provided a ceremonial end to your time as an undergraduate and symbolized your official status as an alumnus of the UO. This year’s graduation on Monday, June 14 will be much different than years past.
Graduation day at the UO has taken on various forms over the last 134 years. From humble beginnings for 5 graduates in 1878 to the current day model of providing 38 ceremonies for approximately 4,000 graduates, we have grown. Based on feedback from students, parents, faculty and staff, graduation day is about to morph again, taking on a new celebratory style that is more reflective of the celebration that both students and parents hope for on graduation day.
“Parents wanted to hear an excellent speaker and have opportunities to recognize their student in the ceremony,” said Amber Garrison, the Director of Family Programs and Commencement. She also said that students were interested in hearing from their peers about what graduation day meant to them and remembering significant events over the last four to five years. In an effort to honor that experience, a committee went straight to work and proud to reveal a transformation of commencement.
New traditions include the Duck Walk, which will be an academic parade from Gerlinger Hall to historic Hayward Field. Once at Hayward Field, participants will cross through a large Oregon “O” and be greeted by cheering family and friends. Graduates will then take a walk around the track as a victory lap before being seated on the infield. Garrison said, “The University Graduation Celebration that follows the parade will showcase three student speakers, video presentations to remind students of the experiences shared as Ducks, and remarks from John Paul Jones ’67.” Following the University Graduation Celebration, each student will attend a ceremony dependent upon their major where they will be individually recognized.
To continue the celebration, Grad Fest has been added to the line-up. Grad Fest will offer a special celebration area centering around the Erb Memorial Union (EMU). This area will feature food vendors, dining areas, photo booth, Duck Store, student performances, activity area for children, relaxation room, craft center and more. Not to mention, all the University museums and classroom buildings will be open for you to enjoy. Anything needed to enjoy a day on campus will be available at Grad Fest!
For more information on the upcoming graduation festivities, click here.