Graduation Line

Since coming to Greencastle in 2006 I've become a part of the graduation tradition of DePauw University. And in the last two years I've experienced a new part of the tradition that I wish everyone had the chance to experience.

Dr. Casey has added several new components to the rituals that go along with graduation. One in particular occurs outside of the eyesight of the thousands waiting for the graduates to arrive and take their seats. The graduating seniors march ahead of the faculty and platform speakers and then wait, dividing on either side of a wide sidewalk just outside of the Union Building. Then, led by the President, the platform speakers and faculty march between the two lines of students.

It is amazing what the students do! Many will high-five their soon to be former teachers. Some reach out and hug particular professors that have spent four years challenging these students to expand their minds and grow. Most cheer the two hundred plus faculty, even instructors that a student never experienced but still recognizing the important role even unfamiliar faculty have had on their friends. The noise is thunderous, as if the graduating seniors are cheering the home team at a national competition. These seniors, who will themselves be cheered and celebrated by proud family members, are cheering and celebrating the gifts and talents their professors have used in personally guiding them to this day.

You cannot imagine what this feels like to receive such ... affirming energy.

My responsibility at commencement is to lead everyone in prayer both at the beginning and the end of the event. I'm identified as staff at the University, not faculty, yet I have the privilege of representing the staff on the platform. And, before we march into the gathering of family and friends from literally all over the earth, I too had walked between the appreciative graduating seniors. This year I knew over half of the soon-to-be alumni, and this year I was included in the high-fives and hugs and cheers. The effect of this experience had not diminished by the time I was to give my opening prayer. I stood there having to ground myself and not wanting to! The effect still had its hold on me two and a half hours later even after sitting in near ninety degree sun.

Indeed, the effect still had its hold on me now.

Here is my hope for you: May you be able to uplift those graduating this month and next, whether from high school or college or university. May you cheer and celebrate as your sons and daughter, grandchildren and friends, receive their diplomas and formal recognition that they so richly deserve.

And ... may those who are being so honored find a way of honoring the many who have helped them achieve this step. May you be one of the ones honored by the graduates. And, in being appreciated, may you come to understand the full circle of the spiritual life we share on this earth.

May what you do for others also be done for you!