In the midst of August, there isn’t anything better than enjoying the warm, outdoor weather. Except maybe graduating from college in that gorgeous weather, and knowing you’ve put an official stamp on your education.
That’s exactly what more than 1,100 University students will experience Saturday during the Summer 2000 commencement exercises. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the Memorial Quadrangle on the west edge of campus.
Philip Romero, the dean of the Charles H. Lindquist College of Business, will deliver the commencement speech. Romero was appointed to his position last June after serving as California’s chief economist under then-Gov. Pete Wilson.
“I was asked by President [Dave] Frohnmayer to speak at the commencement,” Romero said. “It’s tradition if there’s a new dean for him to give the speech and I’m the newest.”
Romero’s address is titled “Revenge of the Slackers.” In it, he conveys the idea that that Generation-Xers will transform America’s politics, spiritual life and civic community.
“I think Generation-X is totally proving the critics wrong,” Romero said. “They’ve been the driving force behind our record-breaking economic expansion.”
“What I’m looking for most is creating a binding connection between these students and the University,” he continued. “And that connection is something students can utilize after graduation.”
With classes over for now, it will be time for grads to concentrate on finding that dream job. Or at least some type of work that will begin paying off student loans.
According to Larry Smith, director of the University Career Center, the next few weeks will be a busy time as recently graduated students begin perusing the job market. He added that students don’t job search during summer school prior to graduation, as they’re overloaded with academic requirements.
“We’re anticipating seeing summer grads within a week after graduation, after they have time to catch their breath,” Smith said.
Though the volume of jobs isn’t what it was at the end of spring, Smith said, there are also fewer people looking.
The Career Center is open throughout the summer and students have three months after graduation to take advantage of the resources before they are charged an alumni fee. More information is available at their Web site at http://uocareer.uoregon.edu.
For students, a diploma is more than just a certification of completing the required course load. It’s a signal that they succeeded in taking a huge step toward their future.
“I feel like I’ve just gotten off the Gravitron; feelin’ a little nauseated, a little wound up with adrenaline, but ready for the next ride,” graduating senior Sabrina Sakata said. “At times, college was a rather warped reality but I learned a lot about people and what I care about.”