The Graduates
Four days between two graduations: one up north in Buffalo, then down south to DC. It’s a lot of driving. Georgetown University‘s graduation is a week-long festival (the full page schedule): from Wednesday to Sunday. They do things small, like a club, which is the real charm of the school.
Day 1 – Thursday: the first event we attended is the all-important Convocation at 2 pm, which was the first event for the freshmen in 2012. Both were held at the McDonough Arena, their basketball court. The kids wear the same gown, twice. It’s a Jesuit school but religion presence is at its minimum, which is good for the heathens.
All the events have an ensemble to serenade and a reception to follow.
The second event is the Sigma Theta Tau International (IHS – Int’l Honor Society) induction at the beautiful Dahlgren Chapel at 5 pm.
The ceremony is short and sweet. My child worked very hard to attain this honor, even I kept telling them to just have a good time, enjoy their time on campus.
We called it a day after dinner at Clarendon.
Day 2 – Friday: the day begins with a coffee at Dean & DeLuca and a walk on the Potomac River – Georgetown waterfront park.
The design (city planning) is spectacular: to the right is the Key bridge; across the river is lush green and to the left are restaurants; Swedish Embassy and Kennedy Center.
The lunch is a real treat: kids get together prepared it for us, their parents.
They also made a brief speech to thank us and their loved ones, for their support. The victory lap is toasting with bubbles and drink from it.
We skipped Tropaia at 2 pm.
The Pinning Ceremony is held at the Lohrfink Auditorium @ Hariri Building at 3 pm, when and where they receive their pin, with a yellow rose.
My child in once again, being honored.
The cute dog is their mascot – the kids take turn/designated staff to care for it.
The Ball is held at Union Station, from 9pm-1am. It’s packed with kids, their parents and even babies – in arms and strollers.
The school issued colorful bracelets which made getting in is a breeze – although there was a line when we got there. The food, various cuisines, is decent with the open bar, multi-levels.
Day 3 – Saturday: The commencement is at 12 noon on Saturday. The ensemble is phenomenal, playing Beethoven‘s No 5 (4th movement). Could there be any better final act than this? The kids came in before their professors or faculties – the music is just marvelous. Thanks for giving us a memorable and wonderful ending.
Around the Dupont Circle there are few old bookstores, very charming, later have dinner.
Nice stroll in Georgetown (church, Key bridge and Rose Park), and revisit the farmer’s market.
Day 4 – Sunday: moving out day while more events are going on at the school – we didn’t go. We’re all pretty spent. I walked the Key bridge one more time. After breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien we left for home.
Bye bye Georgetown, for now. Thank you and we will meet again.
