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Monday, May 11, 2009

Graduation

When you've been waiting for something for years, sometimes it feels more like a dream than reality when it finally occurs. Looking back, that's how Saturday felt like to me. But it's true, I am now a graduate of Liberty University!

When it came down to the graduation itself, I didn't have too high expectations because I didn't want to be disappointed. But even if I had expectations, they wouldn't have come close to the real thing. I did know it would be big. With over 15,000 on campus and more than 36,000 online students, that was granted. My class was the largest ever to graduate from Liberty: 6,350 students. Of these, 3,390 attended graduation with more than 23,000 of our family and friends watching. The whole thing was also televised live for the rest of the world. I hope they didn't catch me doing something stupid! It was a big day for a lot of people!

I was excited to hear that our commencement speaker was Ben Stein. His amazing film, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, last year brought him great praise and also great condemnation. While he does not share all of Liberty's beliefs, he understands the importance of preserving freedom and passing on the Judeo-Christian values upon which our country was founded. His speech was good--very good. And it was all delivered while wearing sneakers!

All in all it was a beautiful day. The rain was held back, and we didn't have to wear the LU embossed ponchos we were given. Two dear friends from California along with my family were there to cheer me on and wave from the crowd. I couldn't have done it without them! Thank you guys for all your love and support!


Some of the professors (I think from the Youth Ministry division) sprayed silly string while processing down the aisle. The students created fun of their own by tossing frisbees and batting around a beach ball while waiting for the main event. (Taken by dad)



The Vines Center where my degree presentation ceremony was held.

(Taken by sister)


Yay, I'm graduated! (Taken by sister)

Celebrating at Cracker Barrel (we need one of these in California!). (Taken by sisters)





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9 comments:

LadyM said...

yay, congratulations! to both of us!

Robert J. Trenske said...

Ahh it is offically graduation season. Nice job capturing these images!!

Jordan Boesch said...

Congrats! And YES we need a Cracker Barrel out here! I grew up eating there!

Mary Marantz said...

YAY!!! Congratulations!!!!

Patti Mustain said...

You go girl! You are on your way to great things in life. Have Fun!

rachel said...

congratulations!

Catie Ronquillo said...

Congrats Lydia! Didn't realize you were going to Virginia for YOUR graduation!! How exciting! :) See you SOON!

Cristi said...

Congratulations! And what a family of great photographers :) All the pictures look great!

Wayne Toshikazu said...

I'm a little late here, but congratulations! Such a great accomplishment and something to be so proud of. :) I actually knew quite a few people who went to LU years and years ago.