Commencement Time.
The whole University of Oregon, Class of 2013 coalesced outside of the Mathew Knight Basketball Arena to be separated into approximate groupings according to their respective schools. Once the sorting was accomplished, the Duck Walk begins, the graduates file past a video camera outside and the images of each graduate is telecast onto the Jumbotron Videoscreen Scoreboard at center court for all of the audience seated inside to watch - up close and personal, as they used to say. Some of it was a bit more personal than than we paid for; one coed (unaware of the camera and its intent) was filmed adjusting her bra and then her skirt as she filed past the video camera.
As the graduating class entered the arena, they had cameras focusing in on a number of individuals, especially those who had made an effort to become photogenically appealing, with flowered leis and decorated mortar board hats.
Some mortar boards had rubber duckies attached, some a flock of duckies, plenty of custom glitter all around and some had written statements atop their heads. There were more than a few "Thanks Mom & Dad", a couple of "Hire me" signs, a sign that read "History Majors are Never without a Date", and a "Peace, Love and Accounting" salute from a business major.
Inga, as a graduating member of the Honors College, was afforded a place at the very front of the Duck Walk, and so she got a front row seat on the floor of the auditorium. She beckoned Sean to join her at the front of the line, rather than schlep in with the Sociology majors in the middle of the Duck flock, so he did. We sat with Sean's Mom, Annie and a couple of close family friends of the Battee family, Tom and Cecilia (Cees). I was expecting a rather dry and formal stretch of time for this Grand Graduation event, but my expectations were far exceeded, as I thoroughly enjoyed the festive and frivolous (though not out of decorum) infused atmosphere under which the event was conducted. It was fun to see the graduates 'march' in, their hamming in front of the camera and, as mentioned, some of the messages written atop their mortar board hats. The Commencement speaker was outstanding, a Duck herself (Oregon always invites a speaker connected with the University) who was run over by a drunk while she was student, who went on to play (and metal) in paraolympic basketball and work internationally for the disabled. She now walks again, despite advice throughout her life that she had no chance of playing basketball, walking, or even at one point, surviving. She had done it all - despite poor advice from many experts that she could not accomplish her goals. Don't believe the bastards! Go Ducks!
Once a Duck, Always a Duck.
A little bit louder now. SHOUT!
A little bit louder now. SHOUT!
YEAH ,YEAH, YEAH ,YEAH!
GO DUCKS
The whole University of Oregon, Class of 2013 coalesced outside of the Mathew Knight Basketball Arena to be separated into approximate groupings according to their respective schools. Once the sorting was accomplished, the Duck Walk begins, the graduates file past a video camera outside and the images of each graduate is telecast onto the Jumbotron Videoscreen Scoreboard at center court for all of the audience seated inside to watch - up close and personal, as they used to say. Some of it was a bit more personal than than we paid for; one coed (unaware of the camera and its intent) was filmed adjusting her bra and then her skirt as she filed past the video camera.
As the graduating class entered the arena, they had cameras focusing in on a number of individuals, especially those who had made an effort to become photogenically appealing, with flowered leis and decorated mortar board hats.
Some mortar boards had rubber duckies attached, some a flock of duckies, plenty of custom glitter all around and some had written statements atop their heads. There were more than a few "Thanks Mom & Dad", a couple of "Hire me" signs, a sign that read "History Majors are Never without a Date", and a "Peace, Love and Accounting" salute from a business major.
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| Videoscreen showing enthusiastic Ducks |
Inga, as a graduating member of the Honors College, was afforded a place at the very front of the Duck Walk, and so she got a front row seat on the floor of the auditorium. She beckoned Sean to join her at the front of the line, rather than schlep in with the Sociology majors in the middle of the Duck flock, so he did. We sat with Sean's Mom, Annie and a couple of close family friends of the Battee family, Tom and Cecilia (Cees). I was expecting a rather dry and formal stretch of time for this Grand Graduation event, but my expectations were far exceeded, as I thoroughly enjoyed the festive and frivolous (though not out of decorum) infused atmosphere under which the event was conducted. It was fun to see the graduates 'march' in, their hamming in front of the camera and, as mentioned, some of the messages written atop their mortar board hats. The Commencement speaker was outstanding, a Duck herself (Oregon always invites a speaker connected with the University) who was run over by a drunk while she was student, who went on to play (and metal) in paraolympic basketball and work internationally for the disabled. She now walks again, despite advice throughout her life that she had no chance of playing basketball, walking, or even at one point, surviving. She had done it all - despite poor advice from many experts that she could not accomplish her goals. Don't believe the bastards! Go Ducks!
Once a Duck, Always a Duck.
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| Sunesons catch a shuttle bus at Autzen Stadium across the river to take us to the Graduation Ceremony |
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| Knight Basketball Arena Videoscreen Scoreboard Broadcasting images of the Class of 2013 |
After the degrees were awarded by acclamation by the President of the University, and the the cheers raised the rafters. The videoscreen played the famous 'Toga Party with Otis Day and the Knights' clip from the classic comedy, Animal House (1978). As all Ducks know, the movie was set a the fictional Faber College, but was filmed on the Oregon campus. A fact that was much underplayed by the Oregon administration at the time, but is now embraced.
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| John Belushi as Brother Bluto of the Delta House Dancing in toga to the music of Otis Day and the Knights
Animal House movie clip plays on the video screen
following Oregon commencement ceremony |
A little bit louder now. SHOUT!
YEAH ,YEAH, YEAH ,YEAH!
GO DUCKS
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| Inga is immortalized on photographic mural mounted inside Knight Arean Duck Store. Inga - Never a wall flower, but now Inga - Wallpaper Inga as a freshman as part of Student Cheering Section Ducks basketball game vs. USC |
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