Graduation ceremony lives up to its revered reputation

More than 4,000 members of the Class of 2002 marched through the Campanile and down the Hill to Memorial Stadium at the University's 130th Commencement May 19. Though the skies were gray, graduates and their families, who lined the sidewalks that crisscross the Hill, beamed with pride as they continued the tradition that has distinguished KU Commencement since 1924.

Mortarboard adornments, as always, helped grads stand out in the sea of black caps and gowns, and Chancellor Robert E. Hemenway sported his own signature accessory, a jaunty straw hat. At 2:30 p.m., the trumpets sounded the fanfare from the terrace of the Spencer Research Library, and the procession began its descent from Memorial Drive. Carrying the class banner were officers Jeremy Brooks, treasurer, from Council Grove, and Katherine Marchin, secretary, from Lawrence.

In his Commencement address, Hemenway congratulated the Class of 2002, summing up the ceremony."It is a glorious day, filled with love and affection and good spirits. You have every right to feel proud of your accomplishments," he said. "Accept those graduation gifts in the spirit with which they are given-a symbolic recognition of the journey, which you have taken together with those you love.

"Because no one walks down that hill alone. The walk is central to everyone's story. Those who love you also walked today, transported by you and your accomplishment to this defining moment in your life."

The Chancellor ended his remarks by recalling the momentous events that characterized the academic year just completed. "Think about the two most memorable events of your senior year-the 9/11 terrorist attack and the Jayhawks going to the Final Four. Good things can follow bad things, and usually do," he says. "No matter how disastrous the event, life goes on, time heals, and we find things to cheer about. So give a shout for yourselves, Class of 2002, you deserve it.

"Walk that Jayhawk walk and live that Jayhawk life."

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