"Goldilocks weather" for UMM graduation

UMM 2012 graduates, in the processional. (B.W. photos)

University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler addresses the assemblage.

UMM Chancellor Jacqueline Johnson welcomed all.

The weather hasn't always blessed the UMM graduation. It certainly did on Saturday, May 12.

Graduation was held where it was supposed to be: on the green campus mall. The mall became flooded with people in a joyous mood. It was time to usher UMM's Class of 2012 into the next phase in their lives, hopefully with a continued sense of growth and opportunity.

Based on news reports, one cannot take for granted that a bonanza of opportunity awaits. The challenges may yet be vigorous. But, armed with a U of M diploma, these young people hopefully have more than their share of advantages.

We enjoyed the Goldilocks type of weather Saturday - not too cold or too hot. Music provided the backdrop as the celebrants gathered. The vocal was overseen by Ken Hodgson, associate professor of music.
Then we have band, although "band" doesn't seem to be the accepted term anymore. It's "symphonic winds." Here we had Simon Tillier, teaching specialist of music, handling the baton.

I remember playing in the UMM band for graduation in the late 1960s when there was a shortage of French horn players and I was plucked out of junior high band. I hope I pulled my weight.

The 1960s are certainly becoming remote in time. UMM Chancellor Jacqueline Johnson alluded to UMM's first commencement which was in 1964. She mentioned she wasn't sure if it was inside or outside. I was there and I remember it was outside. We were blessed by an appearance by U of M President O. Meredith Wilson.

That first commencement was a really big deal in town.

In 2012 like in 1964, the U president came to town to celebrate the occasion. We were blessed by a speech from Eric Kaler, relatively new to the top spot. He has had to navigate through a little controversy having to do with money.

We don't hear so much about that now, so perhaps the issues are addressed and the topic is receding. At the crux is (alleged) financial largesse.

The U appears to have a big advocate in Governor Mark Dayton. Hopefully Dayton can stay as vigilant supporting the U's interests as he was in pushing through a new Vikings stadium. Certainly we are weary hearing about this (the stadium). We should pray that a whole new class of gambling addicts isn't created via electronic pulltabs "in bars and restaurants."
I don't go to bars. But I do go to restaurants. Let's pray for some moderation.

Kaler complimented UMM on its diversity. He lauded us on the "town and gown" reputation, i.e. the relationship between town and campus. I would argue this is a work in progress. But Kaler's strong affirmation indicates this is something worthy of more than lip service.

So maybe it's an ideal we'll see fully realized.

Kaler complimented UMM on "its sense of place" with a deep and abiding sense of history of its campus. It has gone through phases. The liberal arts mission dates back to 1960. 

The first memory I have of this campus is the "circle drive."

Kaler talked about the "spectacular prairie setting" of UMM. A short stroll to the east would reveal the prairie panorama that includes the grand wind turbines. The turbines fit right in with UMM's mission. "Sustainability" is a buzzword.

The student speaker was Manjari Govada from Shakopee. This speech each year invokes the memory of Curtis H. Larson. An award named for Larson, who spoke back in that seminal 1964 commencement, goes to each year's chosen speaker.

Govada lauded UMM as a place where "professors know your name." And, as "a community of faculty, staff and peers all of whom have your best interests in mind."

U of M Regent Clyde Allen was back on campus. I remember writing about Allen's appearances for UMM graduation when I was in the print media. So, he seems to have special affinity with our campus. Allen presided over the conferring of degrees.

A Native American Honor Song was performed by the Midnite Express Singers. The earliest phase of our campus was as an American Indian boarding school. Crow Bellecourt is the lead singer for the Express.

Tony Schuster gave a welcome from the UMM Alumni Association.

A post-commencement reception was held at Oyate, although I thought they could have had a little more than party mix. (Just kidding.)

Picture takers were everywhere. It was a day of memories to be made. And futures to be pondered.

Congratulations to the University of Minnesota-Morris graduating class of 2012.

Click on the permalink below to read a second post inspired by the 2012 UMM graduation. This post is from my companion site, "Morris of Course."

http://morrisofcourse.blogspot.com/2012/05/umm-graduation-now-and-way-back-when.html

 

- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com