When asked to identify a memorable life event, many people would respond, “My graduation”. Here in the United States, graduations are important milestones in a person’s journey through life. Students count the days until graduation! The act of graduating signifies completion of one stage of life and the beginning of the next stage.
Graduation is a goal for every student, and the reward is formal recognition of this achievement in the form of a public ceremony. Everyone dresses up; the faculty wears their caps and gowns with colorful hoods and tassels which signify their field of study and institution of matriculation. The students wear a cap and gown (with nice clothes underneath!) and may have additional “bling” such as honor society pins or sashes. The friends and family of the graduates may wear dressy clothes to show support for and participate in the festivities for their loved one’s noteworthy accomplishment.
The official ceremony is full of traditions. Although solemn in nature, it is a celebration which takes place in a special location. CIBU’s graduation ceremony will take place on June 10, 2011 at the Admiral Kidd Catering and Conference Center, with the fantastic San Diego skyline and harbor in the background. Dr. McManus will be at the head of the faculty procession, marching to the ceremonial area to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance. This song has been traditionally reserved for graduations since being played at Yale University’s 1905 graduation. As soon as the faculty reaches their seats, the focus of attention shifts to the graduates.
While the music continues, proud and happy families and friends strain to see the graduates who look dignified and pleased on this special day. As the students march in, they too are looking to find their loved ones in the crowd to share a smile and moment of recognition. The students take their seats and the official program begins.
Each graduation ceremony has a featured speaker, known as the commencement speaker. Although everyone present will hear the address, this speaker will speak directly to the graduates in the form of a commencement speech. This speech could be funny, philosophical, short or long in length but it almost always includes some words of advice for the graduates.
Following the address the real excitement begins as each graduate’s name is loudly proclaimed and the student walks forward to receive a diploma from the university President or designated official. Parents excitedly take pictures and students smile broadly as they receive this special piece of paper.
Once all the students have received their diplomas another important tradition occurs. The tassel moving will be announced so all the students, at the same time, will move their tassels from the right side of their caps to the left side. Once this occurs, the graduation proceedings are completed; faculty and students exit the ceremonial area and join their happy families for photos and more celebrations.
As part of CIBU’s graduation activities, there will be a buffet luncheon immediately after the graduation. Everyone in the “CIBU family” can take the time to have a nice meal and visit with each other to finish out this memorable event!
We look forward to seeing you and your special guests at CIBU’s graduation on June 10, 2011.
To see last years graduation video click HERE
Naval Base- Point Loma
FASW Bldg. A-3
33050 Acoustic Avenue Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92136
