IU students celebrate memories

Graduate Brandi Angrick would rather be in Paris. \nAt least, that was the thought written on the top of her mortarboard.\nBut as Angrick received her degree on Saturday at the 178th commencement ceremony at Assembly Hall, she said assuredly that those thoughts were contrary to how she was really feeling. \n“It’s just a joke, I’m actually really happy to be here and graduating,” Angrick said with a laugh. “It’s a mix of excitement and sadness.”\nAssembly Hall overflowed with hugs, kisses, congratulations and a sea of black gowns and red adornments as 8,229 graduates from Bloomington’s campus celebrated their achievements Saturday. \nTwo ceremonies helped accommodate for the space to honor all those earning degrees, with one taking place at 10 a.m. and the other at 3 p.m. \nThe thoughts and emotions of Angrick were felt among many.\n“I’m overwhelmed,” said graduate Rachel McIntosh. “I’m excited and a bit scared. I don’t know what I am going to do now.”\nBut her degree in biology and sociology will help her as she moves on from the campus she’ll miss.\n“I encourage (students) to get involved with campus events,” she said. \nTo stand out in the homogenous crowd of black gowns, some graduates, like Angrick, wrote messages on top of their caps. \nVarious “Hi Moms” and “Thanks Dad for $,” were written on hats for the crowd to see. Several others were decorated with glitter in pink or purple.\nBut perhaps the biggest statement during the course of the ceremony was made by commencement speaker, talk show host and IU alumnus Tavis Smiley, who drew applause and ultimately a standing ovation.\n“Whatever corner of the world you are in - we are sending you out to brighten that corner,” Smiley said. \nConscious of the time, Smiley spoke all he could to the graduates seated before him.\n“What is your mission? To do the best you can with what you have in front of you.”\nSmiley touched on Winston Churchill – who was rumored to have given a commencement speech in 1941 consisting of five words: “Never, ever, ever give up.”\nSmiley said he felt Churchill had it half right when he said not to give up, but the other half is not to give in.\n“It’s not just about not giving up, and if it is, you’re chasing the wrong thing,” he said, but noted that he would not be standing where he is today without the determination to not give up. \nHe was met with strong applause as he said the real courage is to not give in to racism, xenophobia and homophobia.\n“You can be successful without greatness, but you cannot be great without success,” Smiley said. “If success is the end game – for the title, access to the right folks, to be the New York Times best-selling author, or to have someone know your name ... then you have wasted your time here at IU. Greatness is found in serving the least amongst us.”\nSmiley took the time to remind all graduates that one day, someone would be eulogizing them and that they will all have a tombstone with “cheap things” written on it, such as their name and their dates of birth and death.\n“The important thing is the dash,” he said. “What are you going to do with your dash? What are you going to do with your dash?”\nSmiley also received the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. \nIU alum Jeri Taylor, television screenwriter and producer best known for her work in the “Star Trek” series, received her Doctor of Humane Letters at the ceremony. \nPresident-elect and Interim Provost Michael McRobbie reminded graduates to thank the parents and the people who did everything possible to help them graduate from college.\nPresident Adam Herbert also reminded students that “alma mater” means “nurturing mother.”\n“With the conclusion of my presidency, I too am opening a new chapter,” he told graduates. “I hope you’ve had an experience both challenged and inspired. Hold fast to the dreams you developed as IU students.”\nAfter the ceremony, families and friends gathered with their graduates outside Assembly Hall, hugging and snapping pictures. \nGraduate Katie Sullivan proudly stood on the lawn outside after the ceremony.\n“I feel really accomplished,” she said. “I’m going to miss IU a bunch – I was sad all week.”\nWhile Angrick’s mortarboard expression, wishing she was in Paris, was only a joke, she also reflected on her time and experiences at IU, along with her graduation accomplishment. She offered some advice.\n“Don’t always think of the future,” she said. “Make your time here worth it. Most students look toward graduation and forget and don’t live in the moment.”