Each year, the Commencement ceremony at the Continental Airlines Arena gives graduating students and their families a chance to celebrate their accomplishments in dramatic fashion: a formal procession, the singing of the alma mater, inspirational speeches and the conferring of degrees. But not everyone participates in this memorable event. We asked a graduating senior, a 2004 graduate and a faculty member to give their perspectives on why it's important to "walk."

Alexandra Thelin

Alexandra Thelin '05
It always surprises me to hear that some graduating seniors are not planning to walk at graduation. When I ask them why, the response is usually something like "I can't be bothered." I can't imagine feeling this way. I have worked for four years to get a college degree. I have written dozens of papers, read innumerable books and participated in more than 40 courses. I have learned so many new things and have been exposed to many new ideas. There have been memorable professors who have broadened my horizons and lots of new friends.

I also have been fortunate enough to work on campus, in the President's Office and with the University Web master, and those employers have taught me much. I can't imagine not marking this achievement without them. And not to mention my family, who is proud of me and wants to join in the celebration. Those students not attending will look back some day and wish they had been a part of this event, because their college experience will not be the same without it.

Jeffrey R. Barilli '04
Walking at graduation is one of life's rituals, which marks the transition from one phase of life to another, and not to embrace it would be unthinkable.

Participating in "the walk" gives you a sense of euphoria, propelled by a feeling of triumph. As you see your fellow classmates gathering together, the essence of unity is clear and present. Walking in a single file line toward your seat, you begin to anticipate the moment you can throw your cap in the air and wave to your family and friends sitting in the crowd among 12,000 people.

Jeffrey Barilli

This moment in your life should be embraced. Think about all the times you stayed up late to make sure you were ready to ace your final, the massive number of papers you have written, or the anxiety you felt before you see the results of your semester grades.

The commencement walk celebrates your drive and ambition, leading you toward a brighter future equipped with the skills and knowledge you have worked so hard to gain. While you are looking in the stands for your family, the arena might seem like a rock concert instead of graduation, and your fellow graduates are the stars illuminating the event. You truly are the stars of the day, and while you're gathered on the floor, your family and friends are rooting you on. The rush you feel while participating in the ceremony is something that cannot be explained. It must be experienced.

After you hear your major called, the celebration begins, and the arena is overflowing with the cheers and screams of proud parents, relatives, professors and, most importantly, the graduates themselves. It's a momentous event, and the memories of that day will be with you for the rest of your life.

Saundra Collins, chair, Psychology Department
When asked "why walk?" at graduation, I respond, "why not?" It is a distinct honor and a matter of great pride for me to don the regalia and "walk" at Commencement. When I attend graduation, I wear many robes (pardon the pun). As an African-American, I emerge from an American history where getting an education was illegal and to attend a graduation was an impossible dream. I am morally obliged to publicly don the regalia and walk at commencement for the generations of African-Americans who risked their lives for an undercover education and those who dared to teach them.

I am informed by a Nigerian proverb that says, "It takes a whole village to educate a child." The quality of Commencement at MSU has been enhanced by the public recognition of all members of the academic community who contributed in some way, great or small, to the students' success. I "walk" for the physical plant workers, secretaries, academic advisers, professional staff, parents, etc. I stand when President Cole publicly acknowledges their collective efforts.

Saundra Collins

As faculty members, we are entrusted with the minds of thousands of students. We are a critical change agent in their lives. I consider it a professional and a moral obligation to walk with our students. I am always moved by the unbridled excitement of our graduating class. Commencement is a grand meeting place for parents and teachers to come together for that Kodak moment when we celebrate the great achievements of our common sons and daughters. Graduation has been described as the end of one journey and the beginning of another. It is the most important step we take with our students. It only happens once and I would not miss the opportunity.

As chair, I represent the Psychology Department, which usually has the largest graduating class. No other department makes as loud a joyful noise as Psychology when it is called to rise. At that moment, I am the proudest chair in the arena. I am moved to my feet and I do not hesitate to say, "Rise up Psychology and make some noise!"