Closing Thoughts

Muir Commencement Ceremonies are usually flawless, but we have experienced serious problems on a few occasions. One year someone celebrated by tossing their graduation cap - and on another occasion, a firecracker - into the crowd. Both innocent tosses sent bystanders to the hospital.

Likewise, it's traditional for seniors to be in high spirits at commencement. However, it's neither necessary nor traditional to imbibe spirits, nor to act rowdy, to enhance that mood. Please behave decorously and avoid embarrassing yourself, your classmates, your parents and the college on this very special occasion.

Please keep in mind that the first graduating senior to walk across the stage is just as important as the final graduating senior to walk across the stage.  Please be respectful of ALL graduating seniors and remain seated until every name has been read, and the Provost confers the degrees of the Class of 2008 and announces the recessional.

As a common courtesy to your fellow graduates, guests, faculty, and speakers, please refrain from using your cell phone during the ceremony.

Finally, my enthusiastic congratulations go to each one of you upon reaching this milestone. You should be extremely proud as I am sure are your guests. On behalf of the entire Muir College staff, please accept our warmest wishes for your future success.

Patricia Mahaffey, Dean of Student Affairs