Good morning,

 

In the past several days, I have read most of the comments regarding the
"circus atmosphere" of UTC's graduation ceremony. I'd like to add my
thoughts to the discussion, since I have a relatively unique perspective. I
received my BSE at UTC in 1985 and my MSE in 1987, also at UTC. I attended
both graduation ceremonies which were held in the arena. As I recall, there
was very little, if any, boisterous and disruptive behavior on the part of
the students or their friends and relatives. Of course there were a few
shouts of joy, but nothing like what I've seen in the past few years. I
earned my doctorate at Vanderbilt where the ceremony was impressive and one
of my fondest memories. The ceremony was held in a gym with almost no
"decorations", and the speaker was the Dean of the Graduate School at
Vanderbilt.

 

Many people in our society seem to be incapable of accepting responsibility
for anything, and many others are allowing them to get away with it. Why
don't we ask the people that are truly responsible to accept the blame for
this disgraceful situation? Let's stop pointing our collective finger at the
venue or at the speaker or at the sparse decorations and place the
responsibility where it belongs; it belongs squarely on the shoulders of the
students and friends that are bringing disgrace to the proceedings. It is
their lack of sophistication and respect for others that is the key to this
problem and nothing else. People with style and "upbringing" could have a
graduation ceremony in a leaky barn and still conduct it in a respectful and
meaningful manner. 

 

I have one final thought. A graduation ceremony is very similar to a
wedding; both are very serious and solemn occasions while also being a time
for great joy and celebration. Mature, responsible adults know when it is
time to be solemn and when it is time to loudly rejoice; they also show
respect for the rights of all the other friends and parents who came to see
THEIR student graduate. 

 

The problem is not with the arena or the speaker .. it is with the people
that are graduating and their friends ...that is the problem. 

 

            Michel Holder

 

Dr. Michel Elizabeth Holder, P.E.

Asst. Prof. of Electrical Engineering

315-F EMCS

UT Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN 37403

Ofc.   (423) 425-4358

FAX   (423) 425-5229