Pomp and Circumstance

With few exceptions, my life has been bereft of pomp and circumstance. Tonite was one of those exceptions. We were able to attend the Ninetieth Annual Opening Convocation for Freshmen and Transfer students at Southern Methodist University here in Dallas. This ceremony was like a 'prequel' to graduation. All incoming students traditionally walk/pass through Dallas Hall, SMU's grand landmark hall as if to officially arrive on campus. The procession heads to the locally famous McFarland Memorial Auditorium for the formal welcoming convocation ceremonies.

A formal welcome and initiation ceremoniously illustrated the rare opportunity these new students have at their disposal as a result of their achievements up to now. They've earned the opportunity to be at SMU and they would need to continue to achieve in order to stay and excel. Faculty members and Department Heads dressed in full traditional graduation regalia lent to the pomp. Fanfares served to introduce various stages of the program. It was a good ceremony. If it served to inspire the newby students to take their educational opportunities seriously, then it was time well spent. An excellent quote was printed in the program:

There must be a beginning of any great matter, but the continuing unto the end until it be thoroughly finished yields the true glory.

.....Sir Francis Drake, 1587

We were honored to be able to attend this event at SMU tonite because our daughter was accepted as a transfer student with the help of a generous academic scholarship. What makes it even sweeter for us is that she was home schooled by her mom. Mega-congratulations, Sweetie for making the grade! And Thank you to my wife for her incredible contribution to our kids' education!