Last week, our International Trade department graduated 280 students. I’ve had the opportunity to teach about one third of them, and it was my privilege to join other members of our faculty and present diplomas. The last time that I wore a cap and gown was 10 years before most of these students were born, and the gown that I wore back then was a bit longer:
Graduation here is not quite as formal as you would find in the States, but it was pretty special to share this day with my first group of students:
We took a bunch of photos after the ceremony. Here are some of my students from one of the classes:
We have gotten to know many individuals in the last year and half. Some have become quite special to us:
I love the picture of all the hats in the air-very cool! I also like the asian take on the graduation gowns. I forgot that as a prof. you would get to wear one too dad. Stylin’!
So fun to see off your first group. I love the pictures and the joy in their eyes. Thinking of you guys often!
I think that the graduation gown would look better on someone a couple of feet shorter…
Dad, you are hilarious. I couldn’t help but laugh to see that picture where you are standing with a bunch of little chinese women. That, along with the fact that your gown was the same size as the ones they were wearing, makes you look like some kind of giant! haha! enjoyed the other pictures too. Cool thinking about all the kids you were able to impact this year. I wish I could come visit Kunming and see some of them again!
I hear so many unspoken words and know someone is saying “Well, done ……”
Awesome! So many lives just beginning and with new thoughts and ideas towards the future – now they know there is a hope, a plan and a future awaiting them.