The online/virtual graduation ceremony last Friday was more than I expected.  Brief (35’) and efficiently delivered, there were some moments of touching sentiment, moments of worldly wisdom, moments of kitschy school pride.  But it was a meaningful event, well done.

During the event I was thrilled (really) to receive messages from cap-and-gown-clad pictures of students I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with during their time in the School of Music.  The personal messages, rather than the mass graduation ceremonies, were very moving expressions.  This particular group of grads—who I’ve missed dearly this past semester, who have themselves gone through such difficulties during the final months of their time in school, missed so many milestones in the completion of their degrees—will surely have a special place in the hearts of their teachers.

Perhaps this is the same sense of incompleteness one feels upon retirement, leaving students and projects not yet taken to their last stages.  At some point in the not-too-distant future I suppose I’ll know better about that comparison.