I feel as though I have to say something regarding Wednesday’s article titled “Graduation date choice questioned.” As an about-to-be graduated senior in the spring, I am upset about the University’s decision to hold commencement on Monday, June 14, for the College of Arts and Sciences. I am the first woman to graduate from college in my family for over 30 years. My entire family, who happens to live on the East Coast, planned on attending my graduation ceremony for the original date of June 12, coming the Monday of finals week and then staying until Monday, June 14. But now because of the University’s decision under the poor management of former University President Dave Frohnmayer to host the NCAA Track and Field Championships the same weekend usually held for commencement ceremonies, none of my family members are now able to attend graduation. I am also one of those lucky few students who begin graduate school on Tuesday, June 15. It is with this latest decision by the University, thereby enforcing the current atmosphere of athletics over academics, that I have elected not to even attend graduation — the final staple of one’s college career.
I blame the current atmosphere of the University created under the management of President Frohnmayer. It is with deep regret that I am not able to attend the final commencement of the University. I know that I am not the only student or family member who has written to you about the current graduation dilemma, so I hope that the current administration takes into consideration the profound effects that this will be having on both families and students this spring and make better decisions about when to hold athletic events in the future.
I feel as though I have to make my sentiments known so that future students do not go through this major letdown of one’s college career.
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