Paper programs return for UMM graduation

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"Ski-U-Mah" here in Morris! Still not sure of the origin or meaning of that. But it's cute, certainly traditional. 

It would be nice to hear the old "UMM Hymn" as part of the institution's graduation IMHO. Well everything here is "IMHO" because it's my online platform! I do thank any and all for visiting. Keeps a sense of value in my life. I was born with a journalistic inclination. And then along came Watergate that really reinforced that! Imagine the "Beltway" around our nation's capitol just teeming with high-priced lawyers, and in the end it was not lawyers who took down Richard Nixon. It was newspaper writers! A high-five all around please. 

We don't have near the power we once did. Everyone can find an online platform to get their ideas out there. It's nice with some limitations. 

How shall I share about the 2026 UMN-Morris graduation? First of all, always a plus to have the ceremony outdoors. I walked to campus from my residence on yet another cool day with the annoying wind. That cotton-pickin' wind. It's roaring outside right now on this Tuesday morning. 

The graduation was three days ago and it gave a fine overall impression. We might wonder if the number of UMM grads will stay in an acceptable range. We had the unusual mid-school year change in chancellors that really was a worrisome sign. My unimpeachable source within UMM told me that the outgoing chancellor  stepped down - actually was fired - because she balked at making cuts that were recommended by her superior. We sure got a reminder of the U of M hierarchy. 

And even the president answers to higher-ups. And I don't mean the regents, I mean the legislators. Ultimately it is the people closest to the purse strings that matter most. Are the regents overrated? I have come to suspect as much. They'll go after all the $ they can get from the state. But the state hones in to ascertain what is really going on. 

Whither UMM's future? We really have to wonder. And what was the true catalyst for UMM's mid-year shakeup with leadership? Hey it was the press or the "Fourth Estate." It surely retains power, even in our diversified media age. Erin Adler of the Star Tribune wrote an expose type of article that included the word "nosedive" in big headline type. Yikes! Well we had to concede that Erin was onto something. 

We want to root for UMM but we have to see that any shortcomings are addressed. "The press" can really lead us in the right direction. I have felt right along that some drastic news of cuts might come along not long after graduation, after the campus has gone quiet. Well, graduation is done. 

The ceremony was outdoors but I chose to watch most of it on the big screen at Edson Auditorium. We should always insert "Morrison Performing Arts Center" when we talk of the auditorium. The Morrison name has a long background with "the press" in Morris! The Morris Sun Tribune newspaper. "Sun Tribune" fades into history. It was a twice-a-week product, a bit much for the small staff to put out. That included me! How many of you still remember? 

I wrote about stuff at UMM before there was a UMM website, if you can imagine such a world. Took lots of photos and probably gave a little preferential treatment to the jazz music program! The Jim Carlson era at the school. "Talk about an enthusiastic attitude," my friend and fellow UMM advocate Warrenn Anderson has said. 

 

Refreshing surprise 

Hey, the 2026 graduation brought a return of the paper program! It was smaller than before, did not include a complete list of the graduates. I will compliment UMM on having the paper program again. People did not have to be told to use their "Smartphones!" I would like to see a return of the old programs for souvenirs. 

We still have in our household a copy of the program for UMM's first-ever graduation in 1964! I personally was present on the campus mall for the historic occasion. The U of M president was here! So here I am now in 2026 at age 71, still fortunate to take in the ceremony like all through the years. My health is reasonably stable. 

How big will future UMM graduations be? It can't be a good sign that we no longer have fully viable music groups composed of almost 100 percent current students. The band and choir once graced the event in a way that frankly we took for granted. So a friend and I would exchange notes about how good they were. 

Was there no attempt to present a vocal group this year? I don't recall any. What would Ken Hodgson say? My, what a showcase the "concert choir" once was, performing at any opportunity. 

And the band? Alas, the present incarnation of UMM band needs "community" to stay afloat. It's right in the name. A community band is a fine concept but frankly I would expect UMM's band to present itself exclusively as "UMM" with nearly all student members. We sure still have a music department out there. So I scratch my head a little. 

 

Double-take 

I was a little shocked Saturday to hear the "COMMuniversity band" play "Dixie" as part of a medley. That tune is an echo of the antebellum slaveholding South. At UMM of all places? Well, I doubt anyone cared much if at all (except me). But it was a wonderful day if you can overlook the wind. 

I had one personal friend among the grads and I got to see her get her diploma on the big screen at Edson. This was Addison Gentry. Congratulations Addison! She's from North Central Minnesota. She plans on continuing her education at Hamline. Her long-term career goal is "family law." 

So again, "Ski-U-Mah" whatever that means. Hold on to your hats for any cuts upcoming. And let's never completely put aside the "UMM Hymn." An inspiring melody. I'm showing a little family bias here. 

Good luck to Chancellor Rodriguez.

 

Addendum: For a little perspective, let's note that South Dakota State University has 1600 graduates in its 2026 class. Congratulations Brookings SD. 

 

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